#but it's hard to be annoyed when flynn is circling around her and telling the most random of stories

[ghostlydahlia]

flynn and carrie going on a roller skating date by the beach as the sun sets

#or maybe in the dead of night when the stars are out #and it's just the two of them #and carrie is trying to be annoyed bc this wasn't planned #flynn just showed up outside her window with her skates in her hand and told carrie to put her blades on #but it's hard to be annoyed when flynn is circling around her and telling the most random of stories #that makes her want to burst out laughing bc there's no way half of the stuff they're talking about actually happened #so instead she softly giggles and takes their hand saying 'you're so weird' #and after a while they find a bench to sit on and flynn rests her head on carrie's shoulder and carrie rests hers on flynn's head #and they just listen to the crashes of the waves and look at the stars for the rest of the night #jatp #julie and the phantoms #flynn jatp #carrie wilson #flarrie #cass over here

[seeing-the-light]

New Dream Appreciation Week Day 4: AU

@gleamful-lanterns @autumn-ravenclaw

A View Like This Read on AO3 “Excuse me... sir? Are you okay?”  Eugene blinked, startled at the sudden address. He’d spaced out a bit, and must’ve been scowling thinking about his stupid father, and this stupid train ride in the snow to get to him, because of stupid reunions or whatever, and-  “Fine.” He muttered, before he looked up from his seat to see who was addressing him- and froze.   The emerald eyes of a woman - younger than him, but not by much, he guessed - stared back at him, brimming with concern. He cursed, internally - this wasn’t the place to let himself slip like that - and straightened, abruptly, “Sorry. That was terribly rude of me, I-“  “Oh, no it’s fine!” She said, hurriedly. Her gaze darted up and down the train corridor as the man behind her coughed, impatiently. “In fact, I’m... sorry for disturbing you, actually, it’s just that... you’re sorta in my seat?” 

The words were delivered in the most apologetic way, but Eugene’s brow furrowed. “Oh? No, I’m pretty sure this is my- ah, drat.” He realized, looking over his ticket. “You’re right.” Stupid window seats.  Why would he want those, all there was to look at was- 

 “... You don’t want the window.” She guessed, tentatively, breaking him out of his thought spiral again. There was something... bubbling underneath her tone, now, and Eugene looked up at her again, from gathering his belongings to shift to the inner seat. 

 “Not particularly. What’s there to se-“ 

 “Can I have it please, then? I’d love to look outside and see all the people and lights and sheep and-“ She cut herself off, abruptly, and gave an awkward laugh, trying to compose herself. “Sorry. But. Would you mind if I took it, then?”

 Something of a smile had begun to cross his face at her enthusiasm, and he found himself rising to let her in and gestured as if he’d just opened a door for her. “Be my guest.” 

 This made her give a tiny giggle, as she squeezed in past him. The man behind her was practically glaring daggers at her for holding up the line at this point, and something made Eugene decide he disliked him instantly. 

 He sat back down as she moved to arrange her belongings. Mostly, he just stared at his hands, and the rest of car- for some reason it felt like watching her do that would be awkward, which was weird, because awkward wasn’t a feeling Eugene Fitzherbert felt very often. 

 ... correction. Awkward wasn’t a feeling Flynn Rider felt very often, and Flynn was all that mattered to most everyone, because he was far more exciting and charming, without any of the fears and insecurities. In short, Flynn was the much better option. 

 “So, Blondie-“ 

 “Rapunzel.”

 “Gesudenheit.”

 She gave him a slightly annoyed look, and Eugene raised his hands up in a gesture of surrender. “My name is Rapunzel.”

 “Rapunzel.” He tried it around in his mouth. “Rolls off the tongue, surprisingly.” His brow furrowed in thought, thinking back to his attempted university days. “Say, isn’t that some kind of flower?” 

 “It is!” All at once, her animation was back. Eugene was just relieved he hadn’t made another misstep - for some reason, he was already beginning to care what she thought. 

 That’s dangerous, Rider. He told himself, internally. Letting people in was dangerous. Pretty soon they’d find the cracks in your armor, and stab, hard, when the moment was just right. 

 But he wasn’t going to think about Stalyan, right now, and how she was why he was on this stupid train ride to begin with. 

 “I can’t believe you know that! Most people just think it’s... weird. Or random.” She shrugged, playing with her braid instead of looking at him 

 “I don’t think it’s weird or random, it’s kinda pretty.” He responded, before he could stop himself. Dangerous, Flynn, he thought, as her face flushed lightly because of it. “Well,” He amended, trying to recover. “It’s a little weird. But in the unique way, not the bad way.”

“Pretty and unique, huh…” She gave him a small smile. “I think I’ll take it.”

 “Great, because I regret to inform you I don’t offer refunds.” He quipped. Wasn’t his best work, but it made her laugh, so he counted it as a success. Not that he quite knew what he was trying to succeed at.

“So, Mr I-Hate-Window-Seats, you have my name, it’s only fair that I learn yours.” “Now that’s just not fair-“

 “You called me Blondie.”

“Because you actually have blonde hair!” Some of the passengers nearby turned to look over at them, so Eugene lowered his voice, though it did nothing to diminish his indignation. “I don’t hate window seats.”

“You seemed awfully keen to give yours up.” “Yeah, well, that’s because-“ Eugene gave a dramatic, long-suffering sigh. “I hate snow.”

 “How could you hate snow?” The look she gave him was borderline horrified. “It’s so white, and pretty, and it makes everything sparkle, and you can go sledding and make snowmen and snow angels and have snowball fights and then later on when you’re tired out you can go inside and wrap yourself up in cozy blankets and sit by the fire- snow is magical.”

“Some of us don’t have much cause for magic, Blondie.” Eugene said, in a much more subdued tone, staring at his hands. Stalyan used to make a show of being cold, sometimes, so he’d be obligated to give her his jacket. In retrospect, he thought she just liked watching him shiver.

 But his comment had left the conversation at an awkward pause- he had to save it, somehow. “It’s just cold, and wet, and it gets everywhere…”

 “…did you just use your hatred for snow to make a Star Wars reference?”

The small smile Eugene gave her could only best be described as dorky. “…maybe.”

 “Oh my god.” She chuckled, rolling her eyes. “You know, you still haven’t told me what your name is.”

 “Hm….” Flynn Rider or Eugene Fitzherbert. Eugene Fitzherbert or Flynn Rider. It should’ve been an easy choice. It should’ve been easy, second nature, Hey, the name’s Flynn Rider, rinse and repeat.

 So why did he have this overwhelming, annoying urge to tell her the truth?

 “Flynn.” He said, before he could second guess himself, though if anything the answer he’d chosen just made him feel more like a coward. “Call me Flynn.”

“Flynn.” Rapunzel’s eyes twinkled as she said it, and somehow in that moment it sounded better than any time anyone else had ever said that name. “I like it.”

                                                          * * *

 Eugene – no, Flynn, he supposed, because of that split-second decision – had a big problem.

 He was trapped.

 Now, most traps weren’t really enough to hold him down for long. He’d been in and out of enough cells and vaults to know a thing or two about breaking out.

 His current predicament, however, was … rather more delicate.

 You see, he and Rapunzel had chatted about things for about an hour or so in fits and starts, when she’d decided to put her headphones in and journal for a bit. Flynn, being the gentlemen that he always was, had pulled out a book, to give her some privacy and  make it obvious that he wouldn’t be reading over her shoulder.

 But somewhere in there, she’d fallen asleep. Fallen asleep, and now she was resting her head on his shoulder.

This is dangerous, Flynn, He reminded himself, again. If he knew what was best for him, he'd wake her up right now. But he didn't. Honestly, more than any personal discomfort, he just... wasn’t sure how she’d react when she woke up. But she’d whimpered in protest when he’d tried to move her off, and he didn’t have the heart (funny, really, that he still had one of those) to try that again.

 And he’d picked up a few things from their conversation – she was an art major, at university, who was somehow trying to cram as many additional majors and minors into her degree as humanly possible. She truly seemed to enjoy learning, just for learning’s sake, and that outlook… well, it was refreshing. It wasn’t an attitude he came across often in his own circles.  But this was her first big trip on her own, without anyone – hence the pent-up excitement that’d released in sporadic outbursts, earlier. She was juggling a lot, and she had a lot ahead of her, so maybe it was best to let her rest.

 She’d tried to turn some of his questions on him, too. Not in an intrusive way – he didn’t know how to explain it, but he didn’t think she was manipulating him. It seemed more like she was just… genuinely interested in learning more about him of all people, which was bizarre.

 So he’d told her a few things. How he’d recently had a bad breakup [leaving out the altar part]. How she’d retaliated by exposing his whereabouts to the father who’d abandoned him as an infant out of some misplaced desire to protect him.

 You know, just the light material.

Her eyes had grown round and wide, even at that much. “Maybe you should give him a chance, though. What if he really was trying to protect you?”

Flynn’s eyes grew harder, but Eugene could only think about hungry nights and always being on the run. “If he was,” He found himself saying, in a low tone. “Then he was just as shitty at that as he is at being a father.” Rapunzel had gone quiet at that. From what he’d gleaned, her parents were a shade overprotective – her father, in particular, seemed borderline stifling – but on the whole they were fairly supportive of her interests. There was something darker hiding behind that, he thought, something in her past that cast shadows over everything she said if you squinted for long enough – but she never alluded to it, and he wasn’t going to pry.

 His thoughts were cut off by the train jolting, abruptly. Rapunzel gave a startled yelp, looking around frantically, before slowly coming to rest on him. She glanced at his shoulder, then back at him. “Was I-“

 “Don’t mention it.” Eu – Flynn said, moving to stand slowly to see if he could glean any information on why they’d stopped.

 As if on cue, a voice came crackling over the intercom. “Good evening, passengers. It appears our passage forward has been blocked by a fallen tree. We’re going to do our best to resolve this as quickly as possible, but in the meantime, please sit tight. We appreciate your patience.”

“Great.” He muttered, aloud. “Just great. As if the snow wasn’t enough when it was rushing past us, now we’re –“

 “Flynn, look!” Rapunzel said, giving a tiny gasp. She pointed out the darkened window, and at first he was confused about what she was even seeing out there.

 But when he carefully leaned over to peer through it, and look up at the sky, his eyes widened, too.

 “Whoa…” He said, softly. Aurora Borealis lit up the night sky – he remembered that from when he’d tried a few university classes, too. The ribbons of green and blue and purple light danced across the atmosphere, and for a moment it was easy to feel like this was a private show, meant just for the two of them.

“Isn’t it amazing?” Rapunzel’s voice was filled to the brim with excitement, and despite the circumstances and not knowing what’d come after this, he couldn’t help smiling. Maybe it was okay not to think about names, or plans, and just live in this, brilliant moment for once. “The stars are coming out too, in the background –  I could probably point out some of the constellations, too –”

 “And I could tell you the stories about some of them.” He found himself responding. Maybe being stuck wouldn’t be the worst thing…

“I’d love that, Flynn.” Something about the way that she said it so earnestly twisted something in him, and he felt compelled to-

 “Eugene.”

 “What?” Rapunzel blinked at him.

 Eugene ran a hand over his hair, self-consciously. “It’s Eugene, actually. My real name.”

 He braced himself for accusations, questions about why he hadn’t told her the truth to begin with… but she just smiled at him, softly. “I like it.“

 “But-“ He said, baffled. “But that’s exactly what you said when I said my name was Flynn.”

 “It’s not about what your name is, Eugene,” she said, turning back to the window to begin sketching a rendition of the lights still visible through the window. “It’s about liking what I know about the person behind it.”

She said it so casually, as if it was a fact, and he wanted to protest. He wanted to insist that there were demons in his past she didn’t know the first thing about, wanted to tell her that she was better off attempting to befriend practically anyone else. Most of all, he wanted to tell her that he was decidedly not a good person.

 But maybe there was such a thing as magic, because something about the train car and leaning out the window to look up at the sky together, as she drew, with the prospect of sharing the stars and stories long after the northern lights died down stilled any words to that effect that he might utter.

Instead, he let himself accept what she said, for the time being. He let himself smile, a little, and relax. “You know,” He said, quietly. “I could get used to a view like this.”

#new dream appreciation week #i'm actually kinda proud of this

[adapted-batteries]

Season 1 Things

So I just finished watching season 1 in the written order, and man was that good. While watching, i decided to write down all my comments and things i noticed for my fourth time watching the season, and I caught some things I didn’t notice before. I’ll do a little thing for each ep under a keep reading to not clog dashes...it’s gonna be long.

“And the Crown of King Arthur”

So I never quite realized how intimidating Eve is when we first meet her. I’ve been writing and reading and watching the Guardian Eve more than that first meeting, so it was cool to see just how much she changed, and how much she’s still the same from that first meeting. She’s good at what she did in NATO because she was adaptable, constantly assessing the situation, playing her teams to their strengths. That’s all evident into the whole season, but it fades (when watching in the right order) as time goes on. Not a bad fade, but more she’s less military, but still smart and on her toes when needed.

Side comment, the first time we see the Library, well it’s impressive. If anyone reading this is caught up on critical role, they just went to Ioun’s realm...I pictured the Library for that for sure.

Back to the episode...the way Flynn reacts to Ezekiel’s name, at first it sounds like he’s saying he’s glad he didn’t come in for the interview because he’s still alive...but then there’s an underlying tension, almost like Flynn’s a bit intimidated that Ezekiel could've been him. Later on Flynn does some stuff that makes this scene potentially mean more stuff, I’ll get to that then.

On Cassandra’s first appearance...she totally up and followed him. Course she had a sucky life and I understand her wanting to drop it at the promise of a better one, but she acted like people do to Flynn when he says they’re librarians...that’s an incantation as confirmed in season 3...so did he use magic on her to prevent any resistance?

The only thing I wrote for Ezekiel’s first appearance is that Flynn can’t handle Ezekiel at all, not really sure what I meant by that, but it’s true.

On Stone’s first appearance...well on the comment “ninjas in Oklahoma” I immediately thought that centennially there probably have been ninjas in Oklahoma...in the form of cosplayers at Tokyo in Tulsa...but hey they weren’t specific. Other things i noticed include Stone saying he went to church, which I assumed cuz it’s Oklahoma, but nice confirm, and brings up the question if he still goes, even if it’s less, depending on how deep his faith actually was; Stone itching to infodump on Lamia’s tattoo is both sad but super cute at the same time...any of them infodumping I love to bits; the fact he couldn’t help himself was what got him in trouble...if he hadn’t ever talked to Lamia I don’t think she’d of found him, that is if her method was going to be wait till someone made sense on her tattoo; Stone has a charger...unrelated-ish but Elliot Spencer of Leverage had a mustang I think; on the drive Eve shuts him down on trying to play it off, and the dread on his face made my chest hurt.

That hurt got erased when I saw that face on Eve before they step off the elevator, she clearly can’t wait to see them nerd out and it’s great cuz I couldn’t either. Once they’re in the Annex/office thing cuz it’s not Jenkins’s annex yet, I was curious why Cassandra knew the flight information, of all the things she could know...was she looking to fly to Europe before she got picked up?

Later on in the forest I love the Fleve bonding, and the henge thing...I wonder if she ever went to pay him a comment and called him henge or key just to toy with him. Also when Stone and Cassandra brought up something about their parents, I was just like “guys parents aren’t supposed to be mean and cold...guys...” and wanted to hug them.

When Judson tells Flynn he wants to move on but can’t, at first I always thought it was because of Flynn...but Judson was totally hanging around for Charlene more than anything, and somehow I never picked up on that. And when Cassandra asks how someone becomes a Librarian, she wasn’t asking to find out out of curiosity...she knew Flynn might die from her selling them out.

Gotta mention the Jazekiel scene that started it all...Ezekiel was not scared one bit...very much turned on...and Stone was so working his way to that aggressively turned on state if the ninjas hadn’t shown up...totally could've been that “shut up/make me” thing for sure.

I noticed when Flynn realized Cassandra sold them out, he wasn’t mad at her at all, he knew she wanted to be healed, and they offered her that, and compared to Stone’s reaction, I never noticed just how graceful Flynn was about it, when he should be the one freaking out. Maybe being stabbed helped him get his priorities in order?

And one last note on this ep, when Flynn and Lamia are fighting for Cal, she says “you’re powerful, more than you could ever know” which has been pointed out before, but honestly I love the growing idea that Flynn is Arthur reincarnated, since Lamia needed the crown to wield Cal, but Flynn didn’t.

“And the Sword in the Stone”

I was curious about why Lamia knew so much about the Library...I suppose Dulaque could have told her, but based on the way he ends up killing her in the end, that’s kind of an odd investment in her. Who knows what there relationship was, I mean she said “I loved you” before she died so that’s confusing...more on that later maybe.

The first meeting of Jenkins was great...he’s basically sort of like Flynn in being alone for who knows how long, so he’s being weird. Also he knew to pick them up, so either he kept tabs on the Library...really good tabs, or Charlene called him. Another point...how did Flynn not know about Jenkins? For being Librarian 10 years, he definitely should’ve known, but he seemed clueless. Did Charlene and Judson not want him to know? Or was Jenkins so good at keeping his distance that he didn’t let himself be known? Never realized how odd that was till now. Also loved how Stone was so enamored with the Annex that it takes him five seconds to realize he dropped Flynn, like that child is in heaven.

Dulaque calls the Librarians in plural, which Flynn takes a lot longer to do, I guess Dulaque saw all their abilities and didn’t think about them being fresh.

Jenkins “Who quite frankly I always liked better” comment about Charlene...who knew two seasons later that line actually meant “because I was in love with her.” Also surprised Jenkins didn’t know about the ley line globe map thing, I guess he prefers hard copies?

Ezekiel works lightning fast...I feel like he doesn’t do that as much later on, not like the jewel stealing he did in the tower of London. Also Stone had no room to be sassy saying “all you do is push people around” to Eve...I like the pun...but if I was Eve I would’ve launched him into that case instead of bumping it...just because I could.

To Buckingham Palace...I can never get over Stone’s wiggles...and then Ezekiel’s face after where he has to look away...totally “oh man no Stone’s not being cute nope.” Also think it’s funny when Stone loosens his tie like he’s gonna fight security...like boy...no...and of course him being a nerd again later on was great too.

On to the secret passage...Stone saying “If you drop, we’ll leave ya and move on” was kind of weird...like if it was sarcastic, Christian didn’t play it like that, and Flynn didn’t get it either. It was weirdly blunt, oddly hostile...maybe it was the champagne talking?

Apparently after this my curiosity was piqued about Lamia, considering all the heavy hitters are immortals (being Dulaque, Jenkins, Morgan le Fay, etc.) so is Lamia someone like that? Or maybe could’ve been?

I loved the fact that Cassandra was ready to kill a dude with that rock, and later on she bashes the house spirit with the chair, and smacks that dude in the power station with a wrench...she’s got an arm on her.

I always thought Flynn offering Cal to Cassandra was noble...but then I realized he’s ready to die because he thinks everything is gone...Cassandra healing him got rid of his way out, which I didn’t notice till now. Also seeing Eve already crying, because she’s been in combat, tells me she’s already falling for Flynn hard. And then the “you already saved me” line from Cassandra always makes me tear up cuz it’s so true.

Jenkins mentions the moon colony...please tell me one day there will be an ep that happens...please...I need it...for Ezekiel to sci-fi nerd out at least.

The whole stipend transfer, plane ticket handing out, felt weirdly like Leverage when they depart from the circle the first time, which is a vibe I didn’t get till I watched Leverage this summer (highly recommend it, hit up netflix). Also I’m curious what would happen if they actually left...it was Jenkins’s car and he was in the Annex though so maybe he would’ve been like “so actually not leaving, get out of my car” idk.

Now we wind down the episode, cue the “I can’t trust ya” thing from Stone (I know he’s got trust issues, but doesn’t mean I don’t wanna slap him every time he says it), and the twice before Friday speech, love that, and grandpa Jenkins getting stuck with the kiddos. Also Eve attempting to intimidate Jenkins is hilarious not for her attempt but the LiTs support of her, including Stone’s look at Cassandra after her “she’ll kick your ass” statement too like he didn’t expect her to be capable of saying ass or something. And finally, I need to use “silly mid-western person” when people around here annoy me...though is Oklahoma mid-west? People put us loads of places...central, south, south central, one even had us south west weirdly...idk man.

“And the Horns of a Dilemma”

I love seeing the LiTs being incompetent fighters because it makes savoring that vampire fight scene in season 3 so much better (and the bonus Cassandra’s got a girlfriend, wins all around).

There’s an x-ray in Jenkins’s lab of someone’s rib cage...I wonder whose it is, and if the Annex has an x-ray machine somewhere. I guess it wouldn’t be weird to have imaging equipment but the medical capabilities of the Library (besides artifacts) never get brought up. Also appreciating the fact that the backdoor doesn’t do that flippy door change thing it did the first time Jenkins turned it on, and that weird bubble/film when they step out...that’d get annoying real quick...whoever did cgi is probably happy too.

I didn’t properly take in “office IT nerd Ezekiel Jones” at all...it’s a gift. Also apparently even after Buckingham Palace, Stone is incapable of business attire...seriously even I know not to wear a flannel and jeans to an office boy.

I wrote the comment “Man I love the punching Eve does”...I don’t know what that’s referencing...cuz she does a lot...but regardless yes I do.

Stone keeps bringing up the whole trust thing...at the point in the maze Cassandra was ready to have a smack down if Ezekiel hadn’t stopped them. I’m really glad Stone got over that trust thing cuz it’s super annoying with him bringing it up a bunch.

According to the trivia thing on Amazon video, a ball of twine, such as the one powering the labyrinth, is called a clue, and is where we get our word clue from when Ariadne gave Theseus the twine to get out of the labyrinth. Learning.

“Multi-dimensional hoo ha” Jenkins has some golden lines this season, it’s great.

Nicolas Flamel is mentioned...curiously does harry potter exist in this universe? I mean magic isn’t an issue I guess, could be plausible.

“Back off, I’m doing math” is a great line from Cassandra.

Okay so the Minotaur goes for the people who imprisoned it once the labyrinth fizzles out...does that mean there is now a Minotaur running around Boston?

Stone’s accent always gets thicker when he talks about anything relating to Oklahoma which is amazing. Unironically now that I think about it, I think I do that too, and when talking with people who have a thicker accent, though I don’t know if that’s me imitating them (which I do a lot) or they’re just bringing it out more. Also, that nervous running his hand through his hair when Ezekiel points out Stone basically just got beat up compared to Cassandra and Ezekiel...man I love scenes that play on Jazekiel.

“And the Fables of Doom”

Now in the aired order, “And Santa’s Midnight Run” is next...but in written order...it’s two episodes away from here. Watching it, the behavior and attitudes of them all are much more coherent with them in “And the Horns of a Dilemma.” Thus, Cassandra’s attempt to work with Eve not Stone makes a lot more sense. It also makes Stone’s re-bringing up the trust thing before the mayor runs in naked even more annoying, but the decline in his bringing it up as the season goes on fits soooo much better in the written order, a normal decline, not randomly bringing it up after nothing for two episodes.

The roles each of them take are great. I love the gradual changing each does, but I especially noticed Cassandra’s change this time. At first, with the girl playing Little Red Riding Hood, Cassandra is freaked out and denies getting the girl’s number, and Stone has no clue what’s going on either. Later on, in the bar, Cassandra’s still feeling weird, but is slowly enjoying it, and eventually she’s freely getting free drinks and food from them and marching around. I like to think this episode might be Cassandra’s “oh hey, I’m not straight” realization, of course I could be just projecting the change into prince charming on her. Either way, Cassandra is completely okay with being in that role by the end, she even says “I didn’t mind all those girls buying me drinks” so it’s at least the start of confirming she’s not straight anyway.

Random Stone side note, he knows how to gut the wolf based off him being the huntsman as he says “it feels right” when he’s slicing it open. In reality, being from podunk Oklahoma he’d know how to gut stuff most likely, unless he was a rare non-hunter. Even I know how to clean an animal...arguably more from science class dissections than anything, but even as a boy he’d be hacking away at road kill or something disgusting anyway.

Ezekiel side note...him and kids is my jam...that’s all I wrote, but it’s true. Also the change in expression on his face when Baird’s like “you gotta save everyone” made me think of him in “And the Point of Salvation”...you can see the weight of the situation on him...enough of that for now. And question, but if Ezekiel didn’t change in this ep (nor in “And the Apple of Discord”) brings up the question of Ezekiel being a trickster demigod...which would come with other benefits later on too in season 3.

I always lose it when the sheriff is on the floor eating jello...just they way he’s miserable and confused, the legs out, the obscene amount of jello containers, I always laugh so hard at that scene.

Towards the end...there’s the smirk Stone gives at Ezekiel as he pushes him away...he was totally proud of Ezekiel for both saving the day, and not being snarky at the sheriff.

“And the Heart of Darkness”

In air order, this episode happens after “And the Apple of Discord” which would give a weird read into Cassandra being sort of over protected by Eve like their experience with Evil Cass affected it, but in written order that’s not there at all, it’s mostly Eve delegating her people as she saw best. That being said, I see both sides, and I think Eve having Cassandra be with Katie gave Cassandra both a learning lesson about herself, but also helped her kill Katie in the end. (stuff I touched on in my week 7 shipathon post)

when Eve, Stone, and Ezekiel go upstairs, stone startles everyone by accidentally kicking a broken chair on the floor...based on the startle, I kind of wonder if Christian was supposed to do that, or it just happened and they kept it in. Either way it’s great for that tense scene. Also I like to think that the musician in him made him play the creepy piano...in my experience we (as a musician) tend to do that regardless of if it’s appropriate or not.

Only on this watch did I realize the house was both the Shatterbox and the House of Refuge...because the Shatterbox showed up when Katie’s family got the house.

“We are not a team. You’re the Librarians and I’m the Guardian” Eve says to mainly Cassandra. It’s a weird contrast to the “In the Horns of a Dilemma” when Stone’s like “maybe the term you’re looking for is ‘partners’” which Eve, at the time, seemed to be like “yeah, that works.” I’m not sure if Eve was attempting to say she still had authority, but I think she was trying to say that while they weren’t in a hierarchy, she still knew more in a tactical sense then all three combined and thus should listen to her.

Later on we have Cassandra smacking the house spirit with a chair, which honestly the impact she had suggests she’s got an arm...I love seeing Cassandra take people out.

When Katie loses her story and starts trying to piece her memories together, she says they could make it to Texarkana, but then says they’re in Nevada. I don’t know if those lines were meant to be together in the same sentence, because even from Las Vegas, Texarkana, Texas (the only Texarkana I know of) is 20 hours away, something you can’t do in a night. Just me picking out weird geography things.

Curious if Eve got to be in the dollhouse till they ended up back in the living room...and how they got back there since it just jumps from Cassandra in the room to the rest of them being back.

Also Cassandra had a steady hand on that gun, especially shooting one handed...further confirmation Cassandra is a force to be reckoned with in many ways? And that bit where she talks about the tumor, it being a death sentence in her head she saw every day, man that scene always hits me hard because Cassandra doesn’t act like it bothers her much, but you get that outburst of raw emotion, the real thing in her.

Before they leave Ezekiel says “I’ve never asked for anything in my life,” so if that’s true...does that mean Ezekiel learned asking got him nothing and thus he quit asking and went to taking???? Or am I reading too much into it...

And that closing scene...how does Cassandra listen to that song? Like not only is it annoying, but it’s creepy af...

“And Santa’s Midnight Run”

Okay real life question...how’d the guy get a shotgun...in London...I mean they have working gun laws over there, considering the last two major terrorist attacks had no guns involved.

Also I need more Christmas in the Annex. Cassandra being happy is too cute, and I think everyone enjoys seeing her happy for sure. I want to know what Stone was wrapping though that he didn’t want Ezekiel touching...did he buy people gifts??? Or were they for family?

“Oh shiny balls yes” Jenkins oh man you got the best words. Also the blooper scene involved on him finding a good expletive is hilarious too. And Jenkins is on a first name basis with Mrs. Claus...and her name is Gretchen...interesting...

Okay so when Cassandra asks him what language he doesn’t know, Stone replies with his Urdu being rusty...so there’s no way Stone doesn’t know Spanish...so why did he act like he didn’t know much in the plane in Venezuela??? Even if he wasn’t super experienced, no doubt he studied it in high school because that’s the biggest one in Oklahoma schools to learn, and he picks up stuff like nothing, so he’d at least have that.

Jenkins’s face when they mention Dulaque...right then and there Jenkins was determined to kill him before Santa got it...which I guess in the end, Jenkins at least got to fight him till he winked out of existence somewhere.

“Architecture is just art we live in” preach it Stone you nerd. Also when Santa says he knows both incarnations of Stone, that face is reminiscent of when Eve first shut him down back in Oklahoma.

Ezekiel obviously isn’t in the good book that year...but when we get a Christmas ep in season 4, can Santa say he’s now in the good book??? Can Santa say that so I can bawl at the tv for Ezekiel Jones? Also Christmas!Ezekiel...love it, even if he’s suffering through it. And Jenkins has a frilly apron...it looked like a quality apron.

The whole Nick/Santa and Eve bit is great...you can tell once Nick knows he can use the ho banter to cheer her up, he keeps doing it to help lighten her mood. Gotta love Santa.

The map effect showing their traveling so reminded me of Indiana Jones.

The concept of Dulaque and Lamia riding for who knows how long in Santa’s sleigh, cramped, is a hilarious thing. Dulaque mentions Morgan le Fay...I’m curious what he thinks of her since we only learn Jenkins’s opinion. Also Christmas!Dulaque...that voice inflection, it’s great.

Eve trying to fly the crashing plane makes me weirdly thankful for the years I spent as a kid playing Microsoft Flight Simulator...at least I could theoretically land a plane??? Those goodwill returning scenes are so impactful man.

Jenkins slipped up when talking about Dulaque, I mean we all know now he was a knight but that’s the first hint into Jenkins’s past.

The kiddos giving mom a birthday, yesss. Baird finally got a family and made a huge difference on Christmas, the thing she’d been wanting for years, it makes my heart melt.

“And the Apple of Discord”

They kind of get pissed at Ezekiel ordering pizza...but considering they were all hard at work and all strike me as the ones to get hyper-focused and forget food, Ezekiel was sort of doing them a favor, so in reality he was actually being nice.

Also, how does Flynn open the door from wherever he was? Jenkins doesn’t seem alarmed, but he makes no motion to stop any of them either, so he didn’t set the door...also Cassandra ready to clock the intruder with a book, she’s great.

Jenkins had a hip hop phase??

Eve kept trying to look over the cabinet as Flynn changed...I saw that getting on your tip toes...

When Stone helps Cassandra anchor back to her memory he seems surprised she figured it out...I’m not sure why since according to Eve they’d been working on it.

On to everyone getting the Apple...I love the fact that Stone just becomes Angry Art Historian, Cassandra becomes quite scary, and Eve and Flynn just become horny basically...of course Flynn’s knowledge would make him scary too, but only Cassandra shows she’s an immediate threat in several ways. Also poor Lamia who is so dang confused and in pain...she deserves better...also wish she hadn’t died in the finale...more on that later. Also why does Stone look at her like that like come on Stone keep it in your pants.

Apparently when Dulaque showed up in the Annex I wrote “Dulaque, in my Annex? It’s more likely than you think, Jenkins.”

Ezekiel hitting Jenkins’s cowardice on the head is a great scene, I also like the fact that Ezekiel isn’t running, he’s committed to sticking to it...which is very much character growth from episode 1 for sure.

I wanna know if it took Noah several takes to say “Daddy’s home” while chasing the librarians out of main room...like that whole scene cracks me up. Also his recovery too “pathetic excuses...for bad....because you’re all great.”

Also theory that Jenkins saw Ezekiel with Santa’s hat and was his “best” so he knew that Ezekiel wouldn’t be different and let him go get the apple from Flynn.

Man any time the history is brought up I have questions...I want to know what happened to Merlin, what exactly was the Fall of Camelot, were there other knights that went immortal like Dulaque and Jenkins...

Also Flynn giving Eve the transfer papers is so him asking her to be his girlfriend cuz he was totally a dork when he went about it and he’d totally see it as such.

“And the City of Light”

I wanna know how the other LiTs and Eve didn’t realize Ezekiel was a sci-fi nerd...like he literally went on about the house being a transporter or a tardis...things normal people wouldn’t reference...come on guys.

Also Cassandra’s face when Stone was flirting with Mable was me. Also cue Stone’s accent getting thicker when he’s mimicking people in his hometown.

I want to know why Stone felt the need to break into the archives...like she was more than willing to show him around, it was really necessary. Also when she’s showing him the Paris stuff I wrote down “When you like history so much you fall for a sort of immortal person.” And then after when the plan gets set, you can here the “I’m gonna lose her” in his voice I wanted to reach through and hug him so bad.

When Stone and Mabel talk about why they didn’t leave their hometowns, he kind of lies to her, considering the real reason he didn’t leave was because no one knew why he wanted to, and that then led to him sticking around and taking care of the business and being like the people around him, because he was hiding in that small town mentality. I do like it when he address it though.

When Mable dies...all I wrote was “don’t make me cry Stone.”

That episode always leaves me torn, because I feel Ezekiel’s anger, but ultimately I side with Cassandra, 87 for several thousand is too much of a risk. At least Jenkins can go try it again in a hundred years.

“And the Rule of Three”

Having this episode lead into the season finale makes the whole Morgan Le Fay interaction much more dramatic...like it’s bad if she’s booking it out of there.

I wanna know why Eve’s surprised by mainly Cassandra’s excitement...like you work with a bunch of nerds...how did you not see this coming? Also Cassandra nerding out is the cutest man ugh....

Having made a paper mache volcano for school before...I’m glad it didn’t actually turn into lava.

The whole stage set interrogation scene is great...watching Stone be amused and then be like “Nope no one looks at my Guardian’s ass except Flynn” at the end.

Jenkins being a science nerd is adorable.

With the actress who played Amy coming back, I can’t wait to see how her season 4 appearance is gonna be, cuz she’s my age now, which means either in college...ooor she found Lucy and they’ve been running around finding magic or something great idk that’s what I need at least.

Also having this episode right after “And the City of Light” makes Stone quoting Lord Byron like a sap hurt so much, because it’s definitely fueled from Mable and not random quoting agh my heart.

Amy said the app felt greasy in her head...so is Morgan’s magic black magic? That’s me going off of Jim Butcher’s black magic feeling nasty and greasy.

Morgan calls Jenkins Galeas, and then later Dulaque calls him Galahad...so is his name Galeas Galahad? or is Galeas what Galahad came from?

Also when Stone realizes who’s in front of him (that being Morgan Le Fey) he’s got a kind of in awe look on his face...and then there’s Ezekiel super blatantly admiring her like boys come on...you got a knight with you chill out.

I always wondered where Morgan Le Fey went, and if she’ll come back now the world’s not falling apart.

Ezekiel getting the trophy for Cassandra about made me cry gosh dang it he cares and wants her to be happy aaggghhh. Also i didn’t realize he coined the term “mathemagics” I always thought Cassandra had.

I don’t like Jenkins being mad at Eve...he could’ve dealt with Morgan but he didn’t, he for some reason put that all on Eve and by now he definitely should’ve known she’d save the kids. And yes while Morgan is a threat, she was also going away, so in the end she’s still gone, and those kids are alive.

“And the Loom of Fate”

I didn’t realize Eve’s looking at her bloody fingers was a vision...I always thought it was a “Start with a later scene then go to back for a bit.”

Okay the Fleve going on...they’ve been sexting...yup.

Also Ezekiel being prepared with a handkerchief for Cassandra, love him being caring. And did she do too much math and have a vision like Eve that we just didn’t see? Who knows.

Oookkkaayy who decided they bring in the sarcophagus without opening it? Also Dulaque just totally Trojan horse-ed them...

While someone needed to die to get to the loom, I wish Lamia hadn’t died here. She’s an interesting character, especially when we see her in the other reality as a Guardian too. Also she says “I loved you”...why? what was the context of that? I want mooorreee.

Now on to Librarian alternate universes...Stone is...well...yeah great...and even more nerdy Flynn is obnoxious but I do like that we start seeing him change as he goes on...question though...does that mean Stone has feelings, or at least had the potential to form them for Eve? I always figured he saw Flynn “take” Eve and thus that’s why it never happened.

Mad Scientist Ezekiel is fun, and their world ended up alright which is nice. The reinforcing that Eve was a mom to him is great. It honestly kind of gives me “And the Point of Salvation” vibes in terms of Ezekiel not giving up, being less jokey and battle hardened.

Sorceress Cassandra is by far the most intense world. Also definitely Cassamia going on for sure...and could the “No, not like that” Cassandra responds with to Eve’s question of “don’t tell me I was like a mom” kind of sounds like maybe Ceve was a thing too?? Also she mentioned the healing magic permanently altered her brain...I wonder if it was like her enhanced gift or waayy souped up version of it. I’m also curious what happened to Jenkins in her timeline.

Cassandra pointing out nerd Flynn’s care for Eve just shows how fast he fell for her in Eve’s universe.

Somehow I didn’t realize that Rebecca Romjin’s husband played young Dulaque...it really works.

I really hope after Eve almost dying they learned to keep the healing stuff near the backdoor...like no running through the Library to find stuff like that please.

When Flynn gives Ezekiel his pocket clippings book, he looks at him really...intensely? and weirdly giggles....what’s up with that? Ezekiel’s confused too. And then later when Stone’s like “It’s a pity book” Ezekiel looks like he’s actually contemplating that fact...guys don’t mess up my boy please.

I love the fact that instead of saying fate and history were messed up or whatever...Jenkins is like “waa-waa-waa” like it is an accurate description...but that noise I can’t not crack up laughing when he does it.

Flynn is so awkward...being wordy to get to asking her on a date...honestly it’s great to know that every time I write Flynn being like that...it’s very true to character for sure. Also Flynn...work dates are not dates buddy...

Well there you have it, my experience watching season 1 for the fourth time, in the right order this time. Feel free to message me on anything related to it, and once I finish season 2 again, something similar to this will come out as well.

#long post #the librarians #episode comments #season 1 #flynn rambles #and the crown of king arthur #and the sword in the stone #and the horns of a dilemma #and the fables of doom #and the heart of darkness #and santa's midnight run #and the apple of discord #and the city of light #and the rule of three #and the loom of fate #sort of librarians spoilers i guess #leverage #critical role #eve baird #flynn carsen #ezekiel jones #jacob stone #cassandra cillian #jenkins

[chocobabyporcelain]

If you're taking requests for the "Couple Things"...28 with Prompto? :3

I honestly hadn’t thought about it but I am certainly not complaining! I twisted the prompt a little and it kind of went a bit wiggly oops…

Tags: @neko-otaku13 @itsmootothecow @itshaejinju @themissimmortal @rubyphilomela @insomniacapples

At some point inyour life, MCM Comic Con had become like a tradition. You and Promptowent every year, typically in matching Jfashion coords or in pairedcosplay.

You’d cosplayedKagamine Rin and Len, Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder, Ichigo and Rukia,Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask, Mello and Near, and even as Kiki andLala.

This year,however, you’d opted for something a little different. You’dpicked out each other’s cosplay and set yourselves a challenge.You’d have to remain in character for the entirety of the con.

You’d just gotdone with your makeup, and were now pulling your pink wig into place,brushing the fringe gently with your fingers. You twirled in themirror, admiring your seamstress skills. You’d worked your butt offsewing this dress, and you were damn proud of yourself!

Prompto haddecided that this year, you’d be attending the con as KanameMadoka. Which was absolutely fine by you. He’d left it up to youwhether you’d go as Regular Madoka or Goddess Madoka. You choseRegular Madoka, since you found her a little cuter and the wig wouldbe infinitely less annoying.

“Babe, youready?” Prompto called, wandering into your shared bedroom.

You had such ahard time picking out a cosplay for Prompto. Initially, you wantedhim to be 9S, then Castiel, and then, briefly, Howl. Finally, yousettled on a cosplay you were super excited about. Apollo Justice!

And he lookedamazing in that red suit,Apollo’s bracelet tight onhis wrist.

“Wow,”you smiled, wrapping you arms around his waist. “You look great,Polly.”

Promptoreturned the hug, squeezing you close to him. “You look evenbetter, Maddy.” he said. He let go of you, grabbing hold of yourhand and spinning you around. “Look at you!”

Yougiggled as you danced out of his reach. “Maddy?”

“Yeah,if you can turn ‘Apollo’ into ‘Polly’ why can’t I turn‘Madoka’ into ‘Maddy’?”

Yousighed, crossing your arms. “Polly is what Trucy calls him in thegames, remember?” you stated with a tut.

Youcould tell that Prompto wasn’t listening, he was to busy admiringyou. Just everything about you. The small details on your dress,those cute little socks, the way the pink of the wig and circlelenses suited you just right. “Wait here.” he said, beforedisappearing into the living room.

Naturally,you knew what to expect when he returned. It was Prompto.You picked up the bow you’dspent hours making, quickly inspecting it for flaws or inaccuracies.

“Okay,babe,” Prompto walked back in, fiddling with his camera. “Strikea pretty pose.”

Fartoo used to this by now, you shiftedyour weight to one hip, lifting yourself onto your tiptoes and posingwith your bow raised. You definitely heard that shutter more thanonce, but you weren’t about to complain.

“Okay,c’mon, we’re gonna be late.” you said, dropping your posture.You grabbed your bag off the floor and headed towards the door,Prompto following closely behind, bumping into you as you stopped. “Ihope you don’t think you’re taking that.” you pointed at thecamera in his hands.

Prompto’ssmile dropped. “What?”

Yousmiled, shrugging your shoulders. “Apollo doesn’t take pictures.”you shook your head and carried on.

“Youhave got to be kiddingme?” he called after you. “Come on,honey, it’s me!”

#FFXV #FF15 #Final Fantasy XV #Final Fantasy 15 #Prompto #Prompto Argentum #Prompto x Reader #FFXV request #neko-otaku13 #My writing

[maereed]

Timeless Fic Challenge, Week #2

Title: Aftershock Prompt: Lucy finally decides to read the journal Flynn gave her and she finds out some interesting things about her future. Relationship: Lucy Preston/Wyatt Logan Tags: Angst/Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, Idiots in Love you know? Notes: This one is a little angsty, but just a little? Also, I realize we’re already in week 4 and here I am posting prompt 2. Life has just been too crazy. Journal entries were supposed to be centered but I guess Tumblr will have none of that. You can find that format on ao3. Word Count: 4,099 Rating: PG

Read under the cut. Or on ao3.

Lucy tosses and turns like a tempest sea. Hard pillow, lumpy mattress, cold sheets deliberately keeping her from much needed restful slumber. Images of things yet to come swirl about, mocking her. The vile, misshapen snapshots refuse to part ways with her … branded within, no going back. She can even smell the scorching of flesh. As if that were possible.

 She can’t decide whether to praise or berate herself for giving into curiosity. The strange object had puzzled her from the moment she saw it under the flames of the fallen Hindenburg. A mystery.  One that enticed her interest every time it was mentioned, yet that very interest coaxed great fear out of her.

 She cranks up the heat but there’s no use. There’s no stopping the serenity-perturbing shivers – a complete one-eighty from the evening’s earlier events, filled with heartening warmth … her core fever stricken from the press of Wyatt’s body against hers, his hot breath in the back of her ear, his lips on hers.

 When she pushed the front door closed with her hip earlier that night in a stupor, the vigor of the burning fire still vivid in her pith, she had no idea this was how it would end. Placing her keys over the console table, her gaze promptly drifted toward the worn item. It felt as if a siren were calling out her name, hauling on her, hypnotizing her. And so she opened it.

 It felt like hours until she was done with the whole thing.

 She let the journal fall to her side, her limp hands resting upon her knees. With a catchy breath, tears threatening to spill out, and a sharp pang over her chest, it didn’t feel like she was merely reading passages on paper. Lucy was enduring those moments all over again. No. Not ‘all over again’; beforehand … since they hadn’t happened. Yet.

 It is now 2:07 and she struggles to close her eyes, clear her head, put those thoughts away from her heart and mind. She tries all the tricks she’d been taught while growing up to induce sleep. None of them work. It’s too cold, too hot; too dark, too bright. When she’s (supposedly) falling asleep at last, she frantically rises gasping for air … her airways blocked from all the crying.

 The words scorn her, haunt her musings.

  He doesn't know who I am.

  Sleep never claims her.

 *

 She had no idea the sight of Wyatt flipping through a pile of aged dusty files would sadden her in the most painful way. They’d been summoned that morning for another mission. Lucy hadn’t payed much attention to the details, she just wanted to get to Mason Industries and … what, exactly? She wasn’t even sure. She just wanted an excuse to see him.

 The tone of the missions they were sent on had gravely changed. Ever since, Wyatt had meticulously been preparing for them, reading about people, places, events … anything that could possibly help them out in the field. Nothing was too much.

 She watches him with an ocean in sight, tells herself he’s right there. He’s okay. His eyes had flashed with recognition upon seeing her earlier that morning. He’s okay. She wants to pull him towards her, wants to feel the prick of his hair against her neck, sense the intoxicating scent of his shampoo. Instead, she settles for the mere visual confirmation of his wellbeing.

  Wyatt knows something is up. He feels her intent gaze upon him, catches it out of the corner of his eye. She’d been acting strange the entire morning, hardly saying a word to him. He turns to her and Lucy immediately looks away, thinking he doesn’t notice it. His muscle tingles at the dismissal, more than just a little.

 “Lucy, is everything okay?”

 “Huh?” She makes eye contact with him for the first time since their exchange the night before.

 “Are you okay? You look—uh,” he pauses. She looks tired, but that is not exactly what he wants her to hear from him. “You’re acting weird.”

 “Me?” She avoids his eyes again, the nervousness in her tone just about making Wyatt’s point.

 His insecurities get the best of him. Maybe he was wrong about the signs he assumed Lucy had been sending him when he acted just a few hours prior.

 “Is this about last night?” His tone betrays him, coming off somewhat more vulnerable than he had intended.

 “What?” She turns to look at him, slowly walking towards the place where he stands, frozen. “No. No, no … no,” he’s not buying it. “No, Wyatt,” she says matter-of-factly. “That has nothing to do with it,” she rushes to say.

 She extends her arm, reaches for his wrist … her skin runs circles along the back of his palm. In her eyes a sorrow, like he’s going to dissolve if she dares to blink. “Really.”

 He looks from their joined hands to her vanquished face, bemused.

 “Then, what is the matter?” He feels like her body and psyche are not in sync, sending him mixed signals he’s unable to interpret.

 She feels the warmth irradiating from his pores and tears well up in her eyes.

 “Lucy…”

 She takes a deep breath, shakes her head lightly … a failed attempt at keeping her emotions at bay.

 “I have made a decision,” she blurts out.

 Dread immediately sets in the pit of his stomach. “O—kay,” he waits for her to continue, afraid to further press.

 “I’m going to start writing the journal after all,” she starts. “Already have, actually. This morning.”

 Confusion runs across his face. Her attitude about the journal wholly altered from her previous stance on it.

 “Why?”

 “I just—I don’t know. It feels like the right thing to do.”

 “It feels like the right thing to do?”

 “Uh-huh,” she nods, averting her eyes once more. But the ache from the newfound information is too fresh for her to mask.

 “What about governing your own future? You’ve always said the journal shook the foundation of your self-awareness … enough that it made you question your own identity. Now you want to cave and just write it? Like you’re some sort of tailored puppet?”

 He is absolutely right about everything. But it’s either writing the journal or the alternative. Her decision had been made.

 “Things have changed completely,” she won’t dare tell him the reason. “History … everything I’ve learned, you’ve learned; that’s not what the books teach us any longer. I just need something to remember it by … how things actually happened. In our original timeline.” Lucy retorts speedily.

 Little does she know he doesn’t believe a word of it.

 “Is that why you’re crying?”

 Her mouth slightly ajar, she quickly rubs her eyes against her shoulders. “I’m not crying,” she chuckles. “I had trouble sleeping last night. My eyes are just watery from the burnout, that’s all.”

 Wyatt sighs. He wishes she would tell him whatever it is that’s bothering her. “All right, as you wish. Is History-as-we-know-it really that important? Aren’t things constantly changing? What difference does it make if the Hindenburg collapses late at night or first thing in the morning?”

 “It’s important to me,” he could be so annoying sometimes. She wonders if he’s onto her. “History might mean nothing to you, but it does to me!”

 “Why’d you tell me then?” He leans slightly sideways. “It looks like you’re looking for a reason not to do it. Somehow, I think you want me to tell you otherwise, to stop you from even starting.”

 Lucy shakes her head. “What’s it to you if I write it or not? It’s my journal,” sleep deprivation kicking in, she spits it out coarsely.

 Wyatt is terrified. The journal had that effect on him, perhaps even more so than it did on Lucy. Journal-Lucy always came off as someone completely different, someone who’d eventually drift apart from them … from him. It petrifies him that’s the direction they’re headed now, walking down a dead-end towards another Lucy. He’s losing her. She’s slipping from his fingers … much like it’s happening now as she dissolves their connection at the commotion by the door.

 The hurt in his face is evident.

 “Fine,” he adds in a forlorn monotone as agent Christopher enters the room, followed by an inquisitive Rufus.

 Their glances meet across the room, worlds apart, as Denise prepares them for the coming jump. Dismay painted over Wyatt’s face, he exhales and turns his attention to the Homeland Security operative.

 *

 It’s not how she anticipated things would go. Wyatt’s disapproval had been clear the minute she told him about the journal, but somehow, they had managed to exponentially escalate the situation. He’s refrained from talking.

 Well, he’s talking … it’s not as bad as the French Indian War. He makes eye contact every now and then, speaks directly to her, even helps her with her seatbelt (she makes a mental note never to let on she’s learned how to properly handle those). Still, he’s not him. Not exactly … the mindful, hearty Wyatt she knew replaced by a hollow shell.

 It is nowhere near their customary dynamic.

 Rufus catches the denseness in the air immediately. Lucy and Wyatt tiptoeing around each other? His eyebrows raise briskly.

 “So, what is up with you guys? Did you kiss or something?” He tries breaking the ice as the bell dings, coaching them to enter the elevator.

 Each member of the team leans against a different wall. The silence is deafening. Lucy swallows the lump lodged in her throat while Wyatt stares awkwardly at his feet.

 Rufus looks from one to the other, blinking in confusion. “Okay, awkward silence it is then.”

 With all the commotion, Wyatt failed to notice what was right in front of him. The missions are nothing like the chasing-Flynn ones, having turned more active rather than reactive. They are targets now. They are always targets.

 And they had walked straight into a trap.

 I should have seen it, Wyatt thinks. The receptionist had that look. He should have known better, should have realized the privacy of the elevator’s location wasn’t for their convenience. Now his team was in danger. Because of him.

 Wyatt studies his friends … they had both been in enough missions to know something was not right. The strange beeping and blinking on the panel gives it away. Rufus mumbles something unintelligible – lips ajar, eyes widening by the moment – as Wyatt turns his attention to Lucy. Her hold on the lateral rails so strong her knuckles go colorless.

 Lucy feels the air she breathes disappear in a vacuum, her most dreaded fear being realized … again. Her breath catches as knifes pierce mercilessly through her lungs, blinding her into implacable darkness.

 “Lucy…” his voice is measured and heartfelt. Her eyes avert towards his and for a moment … even if but a brief moment … she’s pulled away from the engulfing shadows. She’s aware his mouth is moving but she can’t discern words, so she allows herself the comfort of his soothing eyes … forgetting momentarily she’s inside a 20 square-foot box.

 The elevator stops and Wyatt’s left hand draws closer to his gun, right hand shielding the pair that shares the enclosed space with him. But the doors don’t open. The lights start flashing as a high-pitched howl escapes Rufus’ throat.

 Lucy’s wheezing is so sharp it could cut through steel.

 They hear a resounding snap above them. “Wyatt?” She cries out in horror, looking for reassurance he’s unable to offer. Rufus can’t even bring himself to articulate words. The elevator plummets and blackness overtakes them.

 *

 Her eyesight adjusts to the mist that swirls about in a strive. Ears ringing, mind gone blank, a voice in the distance catches her attention.

 Everyone okay?

 She assumes it’s Wyatt’s. “Hey,” his gentle hands guide her vantage point towards him. “Lucy? You okay? You okay?” It’s still hard to see through the dust, and Lucy is having trouble focusing as it is. “Lucy?!”

 Wyatt’s neck snaps back after Rufus’ acute shriek before she can speak, an expression of sheer pain across the coder’s face. The fall made him land directly on top of his arm, its position looking anything but natural.

 “Rufus?” Wyatt reluctantly lets go of Lucy, disappearing behind the cloud of soot. “Rufus?” Wyatt kneels before him, his tone erratic. He examines the situation as best as he can, trying to move Rufus’ arm and in return receiving a resonating protest from his friend.

 “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, man. Can you stand?” Wyatt’s voice is desperate. Rufus nods, tears in his eyes from the pain.

 We’ve got to get out of here. We’ve got to get out of here.

 They’re coming.

 Lucy tries rationalizing the situation, but all her mind gives her are the four tight walls enclosing her … and the water. They are nowhere near it, but she feels its presence nonetheless, submerging her, drowning her.

 The dust settles enough that she’s able to see Wyatt kick an opening through what, she reasoned, had once been the elevator’s ceiling. To his relief, Wyatt finds a small opening in the concrete prison that confines them.

 “We have a way out.”

 Lucy watches as Wyatt crouches down next to Rufus. “Come on, Rufus. We’re getting out of here,” he stammers.

 We need to hurry.

 “Lucy!” Wyatt pauses. “I need to get him out first, okay?” She wears a somber expression unlike any he’s seen before. It’s going to be okay, I’ll be right here.

 He’s as careful as he can be lifting Rufus up … wary not to sprain his arm even more, the limb starting to swell in certain areas. “I’m sorry, man. I’m really sorry.”

 They both disappear, and so does Lucy. Her mind hovers above her, just out of reach. She is suffocating.

 Lucy! Lucy?!

 She feels his hold on her and suddenly the walls around her recede, the water ebbs, the murkiness gives way to alluring light warming her skin. How long had it been? “It’s okay, Lucy. It’s okay. Look, you’re out,” he whispers close to her ear. The enveloping of his arms is so comforting.

 He pulls back slightly, bringing her attention to him. “I’m sorry, but we must go now. Someone’s coming. Can you do this for me, Lucy? Can you stay with me?”

 She glances from Rufus to him, a faint uproar developing in the distance.

 You can do this, Lucy. You can do this.

 “I can’t do this alone, Lucy. I need your help.”

 She looks at him, nods decisively. “Yeah,” her voice is resolved. “I can, yes … let’s get out of here.”

 Wyatt nods back in response, a small smile on his lips. “Come,” they throw Rufus’ arm around either’s shoulders and rush down the iffy path.

 *

 Back at Mason Industries, Wyatt debriefs with agent Christopher while Lucy and Rufus hang back in the medical bay.

 “So, the intel I provided was inaccurate?” Denise asks.

 “Not necessarily. I think they might have been tipped off,” Wyatt considers, the guilt in his face indisputable.

 “Wyatt, it’s not your fault,” she simply states.

 “I should have seen it coming.”

 “You are only one person,” she counters. “The three of you made it back with your lives, that’s all that matters. Let’s count that as a victory, shall we?” She studies him. “Besides, the tasks have changed. We’re still navigating the waters of directly dealing with Rittenhouse.”

 “Speaking of which,” Wyatt clears his throat. “With all due respect, I don’t think these missions are prudent anymore. Not with how they’re laid out. They were fine when the job was chasing Flynn, but this layout is no longer effective.”

 “I agree with you. I’m having Mason run diagnostics later. If these jumps are to continue, something needs to change. You’ll be an active part of the investigating committee,” Denise sighs, the risk of the job taking a toll on her. “For now, just go home and rest. Thank you for your service, Master Sergeant.”

 Wyatt nods. “Ma’am.”

 -

 He walks out of the conference room to find Lucy mere feet away, looking drained but otherwise fit.

 “Hey,” he says quietly. “You okay?”

 “Yeah,” she smiles. “Nothing to worry about,” she holds up her discharge forms. “Just a few scrapes and bruises.”

 “Rufus?”

 “Oh, he’s going to be fine. I think he likes being pampered by Jiya, actually,” she laughs softly, trying to brighten the mood. It doesn’t work, remorse plastered all over Wyatt’s face.

 “Wyatt—I overheard your conversation with agent Christopher,” she cuts straight to the chase, smile falling. “She’s right, you know? It’s not your fault.”

 He’s nodding but his expression tells another story that has nothing to do with agreement.

 “You’re the reason we made it back in one piece,” it dawns on her and for a split second her heart skips. “Well, maybe a little more than one piece,” she jokes. The chuckle it produces on Wyatt swells her chest.

 Wyatt … smiling. The gesture brings her such overwhelm it doesn’t go unnoticed by him.

 “Lucy? What is it?”

 “Huh? Oh, nothing,” she dismisses him with the flail of her hand. “Just, everything. Things seem so crazy lately. And I’m a little tired.”

 That he can relate to.

 Lucy closes the distance between them, pauses. As if abiding by a silent request, she relaxes into Wyatt’s inviting embrace. Because that’s what they do now. Arms wrapped around his torso, she rests her head on his heaving chest.

 “Thank you. Back there, you know? Thank you for pulling me out,” figuratively and literally.

 “Of course, Lucy. You don’t have to thank me.”

 Silence falls between them, his fingertips against her scalp sending heavenly shivers through her body.

 “Wyatt, I’m sorry. Sorry about earlier.”

 He shakes his head. “No, it’s okay, Lucy. I’m sorry. It wasn’t my place. It’s not my place.”

 If he only knew.

 “It was not my intention to drive a wedge between us.”

 “You haven’t, Lucy. We’re good,” he pauses. “I’m sorry. I know History is important to you. I didn’t mean to belittle it. If you think it’s important to have this journal written, by all means.”

 Lucy tightens her grip, feeling his quintessence against her … willing herself to recognize he’s there, hers to hold. He’s the reckless hothead to her, she’s the bossy know-it-all to him. As it should be.

 The truth of the matter was he’d reacted to her news about writing the journal. What he didn’t know was the reason behind that decision. He didn’t know why.

 *

 (THE PREVIOUS NIGHT)

 Lucy’s eyes dart towards the tumbled object, dangling open in the gloomy page. The words make her gag. Her eyes go lifeless.

  He doesn’t know who I am.

  She’d felt fearful but excited holding the leather gadget in her hands. Now all she feels is dread. The first pages are generic, filled up by historical events. The moon landing, Watergate, war on top of war, the Hindenburg.

 Nothing new. Nothing she doesn’t know.

 Toward the middle section she encounters familiar names, such as Mason Industries, Rufus, Lifeboat, … Wyatt. Her heart jumps. Her very first entry about him doesn’t sound like her … He needs to let go and move on. She struggles to understand the logic behind the assembly of the journal, the logic she herself had made use of. Were they random? They couldn’t be.

 Her chest pounds next, the entries having taken a more personal tone. She reads about them, about what they become. It’s like listening to good music for the first time, every inch of her body covered in hair-raising shivers. On the top of the page, a small square picture of the pair draws her in. They look so content she has a hard time believing it’s them. Behind the picture, a dried iris and a little note that reads, ‘Yours truly’, held in place by a paperclip. Small tokens that, without context, seem arbitrary to her. She wonders why she’d chosen to place those in there.

 Lucy smiles, turning the heavy pages once more. Her expression changes completely.

  I come back and “our” is now “mine”. He doesn’t recognize me. He doesn’t know who I am anymore.

  Lucy’s heart sinks low, the processing of the words translating into her parted lips, her damp eyes, her blood-cutting grip on the journal.

  Somehow, we saw it coming. He begged me not to go, and I agreed it was a bad idea. But part of me, (a very stupid part) wanted to believe there was no secret agenda behind their request. For family. What family? I don’t even know why I did it. They had never given us any reason to believe they regretted their actions. But I went with them against my better judgment. And then I came back and he had no idea who I was.

  The more she reads, the more her flooring crumbles. The entry is very meticulous, she must have made sure of it. She finds out, in an exceedingly descriptive way, they were introduced afterward. Introduced as if they were strangers. A sadistic, ruthless move by Ritthenhouse. Lucy isn’t surprised in the least.

 There’s a staggering irony to the situation. Because to him, she was a stranger.

 And that’s when the worst part is presented to her. Making them estranged hadn’t been enough. No. They had gone ahead and sabotaged Wyatt’s life in the process.

 The future journal-version of themselves meet under false pretenses – an interview with an American hero, they had told him; and Lucy needs to sit down in order to keep herself from falling.

 That Wyatt had nothing. War scars all over his body, the recognition she’s used to seeing in his eyes … the love she’s used to receiving, no longer there. He is raised by his abusive father after the premature death of his grandfather. Lucy asks about a girlfriend or wife. He shakes his head introspectively. She left me after this. Lucy assumes he’s talking about his crippled body.

 Even with everything lost to him, he’s still polite, still as sweet as can be. But the light in his eyes is gone. Lucy fights the urge to hold him tightly and ward off all the demons. The tears prickling at her eyes, she can’t fight.

  He notices it and asks me if I’m okay, throwing in his customary “ma’am” in the process. I lie and say yes, ignoring the pain the word causes. I also tell him we’re about the same age and he doesn’t have to call me “ma’am”. He smiles and apologizes, “Force of habit, miss.”

  Present Lucy looks up from the journal, unable to catch her breath. Is that what the future holds for them?

 Amid all the tribulation she realizes one thing, something the Lucy in the journal must have realized as well. The journal isn’t a curse, it’s not something to fear. It is a weapon. Her greatest weapon against Rittenhouse, her family … anything that ventures into altering her life against her will.

  I will change it. I will find a way to act without resorting to unbridled bloodshed. I’ll find something, someone … I’ll bring them down.

  There’s no doubt in her mind. Fears and uncertainties wouldn’t keep her from delivering him from that fate.

  He’s coming back home.

  *

 Lucy … Lucy.

 She’s slowly brought back by the echo of his voice. Apparently, they are still outside the briefing room back in Mason Industries.

 “You didn’t sleep at all last night, did you?” He asks.

 “Mmmm,” she hums for an answer, unsure how she’s even able to stand.

 “You read something in the journal, didn’t you?”

 The sudden silence on her part tells him he’s on the right track.

 “Something bad?” He is careful, restrained.

 She looks up at him, nodding coyly.

 “How bad?”

 “Bad.” She hides her face swiftly, bringing it to its former position over his chest.

 Wyatt exhales, figures she would tell him if she so desired. And she would tell him. So he doesn’t push it.

 “I’m sure it’s going to be okay, Lucy,” his tone is soft and reassuring.

 It is going to be okay. I’m going to make sure of it.

 “Hey, you’re dozing off there,” he chuckles quietly, giving her a gentle nudge. “You need some sleep.”

 “Am I not sleeping already?” She manages out barely above a whisper, surprised her body hasn’t shut down on her.

 Wyatt grins. “Come. Let’s get you home.”

#weekchallenge #lyatt #timeless #lucy x wyatt #nbc timeless #ships #fanfic #mine

[junker-town]

The comprehensive guide to winning rock-paper-scissors

Always throw the same thing. Or don’t!

When it comes to America’s greatest sport, everyone’s an expert.

We’re talking about rock-paper-scissors. It’s one of this country’s longest-standing pastimes, and it might be the game with the lowest barriers to entry. It requires a simple series of hand movements and, uh, not much else. If you crave competition, there’s no easier way to get it than saddling up for an RPS duel against a friend.

These are our most critical pieces of advice.

Some of these thoughts are contradictory to one another, so you’ll have to decide whose side you take. Sound good? Let’s RPS.

Know your opponent’s personality type.

I’ve won some big rock-paper-scissors matches in my life. I’ve had drinks purchased for me, errands run for me, and gruesome dares carried out on my behalf — all because I know the tricks my friends are going to throw at me when we duel. My best win:

I found a video of what's def gonna go down as my peak athletic accomplishment in this life: a rock-paper-scissors/huggy bear tournament win http://pic.twitter.com/Dqve72z1fX

— Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) May 3, 2017

People ask me all the time — actually they don’t, but let’s pretend they do — how I win RPS matches. The most important thing is to know the kind of person you’re dealing with on the other side. The guy I beat for an RPS championship a few years ago is a good man and a patriot. He’s also a military man and has a rugged persona.

But because he’s a military guy, I knew he wasn’t going to back down. We both threw rock on our first go-around, and I knew that there was nothing he’d enjoy more than winning with the exact same thing. It’d make him feel tougher and somehow more pure to win without changing his ways. So I just changed my play to paper, grabbed my RPS championship trophy, and went on home. I don’t feel bad about it.

Here is a bold-faced lie from my brother:

@alex_kirshner I beat you every single time when we were kids. You threw scissors first without fail... bad strategy for sure.

— Joel Kirshner (@JKirshner36) May 5, 2017

- Alex Kirshner

Force your opponent’s hand (we’re talking mind games)

I consider myself an excellent rock-paper-scissors player, and my success starts with my mentality: You have to be unafraid to die in the arena. Those who play RPS scared — afraid of throwing the wrong thing — aren’t thinking enough about their opponent. You need to take in every tell on their person: things like their facial expression, perspiration levels, general state of anxiety and/or drunkeness, etc. You won’t do that if you’re also keenly aware that you’re giving off the same tells yourself.

What many don’t realize is that you can force your opponent’s hands. Talk. Be obnoxious. Get in his or her head. If you’re playing best-two-outta-three, comment on their first throw: “Scissors, huh?” Tell them what they’re going throw next. Tell them what you’re going to throw next (and keep your promise ... or not). Feign like you’re mulling over your next move. Drag out the moment. Peer deep into their eyes.

Do whatever you can to induce a flinch. Your opponent will react, and when they do you will have gained another clue into their soul. RPS isn’t about you — it’s about your opponent and the frailty of human will. - Louis Bien

For me, it’s all about coming from a position of strength, first and foremost. Since we’re civilized people, we’re going best two out of three, so I can afford to lose one. You throw rock first every time to initially assert dominance. Then you’ll often throw it back the next round becuase they’re shook. They know I’m the alpha and are threatened. Then I mind-game them, because I certainly wouldn’t throw rock again the third round. Would I? — Richard Johnson

Keep using the same move

I can’t give away all of my secrets when it comes to this classic battle, but one I will share is that particular strategy. If a best 2 out of 3 is being played, this works nearly every time, unless it is also being deployed against you. It’s even better when used in a best 3 out of 5, or greater. Once your opponent has caught onto your move — let’s say it’s paper — that’s when you deploy the rock. It’s very simple, and works like a charm. Your opponent will be defeated, and annoyed with the malarkey. - Harry Lyles Jr.

Go rock, go rock, go rock again, keep going rock, and then, just when your opponent is getting annoyed, look them in the eye, give them a playful smirk, and ... go rock again.

Btw you will not win if you do this, but you can whine when you lose that in real life a rock would destroy a flimsy piece of paper. - Seth Rosenthal

Just roll with the punches.

Don't listen to my dude coworkers who think they can control the uncontrollable. They can't. Rock-paper-scissors isn't rocket science; all you have to do is go with your gut and throw down what you feel. Will you lose? Yeah, sometimes. But that's how probability and life works. Roll with it. - Charlotte Wilder

Transfer the responsibility

Find a surrogate to RPS for you. If they lose, you can blame them. If they win, you can take the credit. Delegation is the key to good leadership. - Ryan Van Bibber

Know your opponent’s weaknesses.

The art of winning RPS is understanding the personality of your opponent. Are they lazy? They’re going to throw rock. High ego? They’re going to think they’re better than you and go scissors. Paper people are difficult to predict, but typically they’re going to be the more quiet and demure members of your friend circle. Also understand the stakes: If the result of the RPS match is low-impact then they’re going to lean on their old tricks, but if there’s a lot on the line then people will over-think their moves and go to the polar opposite of their personality. — James Dator

When playing RPS, you have to remember the one cardinal rule: it’s way more effort to throw scissors than it is to throw rock or paper. Ultimately you just have to decide whether or not your opponent is a rock person or a paper person. If you’re up against Dwight Schrute, just play scissors every time. - Cory Williams

Consistency is key.

Always throw what your opponent just threw. - Justin Bopp

Cheat

We all know that it’s “rock, paper, scissors, shoot,” and you throw what you know on “shoot.” We all know this! Yet there’s always that one asshole that let’s the ritual get started before they break away mid-“scissors” to be all “wait wait lol lol are we doing scissors or SHOOT?” — meanwhile getting a sneak peek at what you had in store for Round 1. And the worst thing about this strategy is that it works. Listen, I’m not here to tell you to cheat at rock-paper-scissors. But I am here to tell you that if you’re desperate — this might just be your play. — Dayana Sarkisova

Lots of people we asked believe in never changing their play.

@SBNation http://pic.twitter.com/Ujano9u8bz

— Joseph Flynn (@ChinaJoeFlynn) May 5, 2017

@SBNation Always use rock. Works EVERY time

— Nikolas Holmes (@NikolasHolmes) May 5, 2017

@SBNation Throw the same thing every time

— Zach Daw (@SoDawsome) May 5, 2017

And a slight variation to that method:

@SBNation People will always try to use the thing tht beats wht u used on ur last move, if u won. If u won with rock, theyll use paper next round.

— Sam Gosin (@samgosin) May 5, 2017

Some people advocate a hard-line approach.

@SBNation cheat

— Russell Steinberg (@Russ_Steinberg) May 5, 2017

Here is the most serious advice:

@SBNation 1. Always stare deeply into your opponent's eyes as if they're the true love you've always been looking for. That should make them nervous.

— Michelle Goldchain (@goldchainam) May 5, 2017

@SBNation 2. Pretend you are your opponent. Everything that makes them them is now you. That should help you know what their next move is.

— Michelle Goldchain (@goldchainam) May 5, 2017

@SBNation 3. After you win, do a little dance. This is less to rub it in your opponent's face and more to attract the ladies. They'll be so pleased.

— Michelle Goldchain (@goldchainam) May 5, 2017