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blehworld · 2 years

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the eclipse series: a review

i will forever love this series and it’s characters. it will be hard to let them go and i will surely come back to them for comfort or nostalgia. i will miss the eclipse fridays, the community built around it and coming here to spend hours reading everyone’s breakdowns and theories.

the incredible cast! (best thing about the series)

first and khaotung as the main leads;

two amazingly talented actors with great real-life chemistry, that translated beautifully into akk and ayan. the dynamic that they created for akkayan, their micro-expressions and eye acting elevated this series! they’re amazing at the emotional, the dramatic, the serious, the fluff, the suggestive, …i hope to see more of them together. gmmtv hit gold with them, finding two actors that match so well. they have what it takes to surprise us with a completely different concept and story. i look forward to see them separately too, as i’ve enjoyed their previous roles and have seen the evolution and range of their individual talent.

neo and louis as the secondary couple;

i had already seen them together in futs, where they were very cute. i had also seen neo, in a couple of other shows. it was interesting seeing their duality. neo being usually a comic relief character, got to show a more serious and tough side, while louis went from loud and clingy, to reserved and distant. i’m curious of what more they can offer as a pairing, and would certainly support them as a main couple. they’ve said that they want to continue working together so, will gmmtv make them stay as a secondary couple forever?

ploy, pawin and aj;

they did great in their roles for the little time they had for onscreen development; as the conflicted young new teacher that chooses to compromise, the misguided kid that wants to be included and belong, and, as the conflicted student with big dreams of becoming an indie movie director, respectively. i think it’s time that aj gets a main role (maybe with ploy? they seemed to be pushing them together a lot). he really impressed me in ep 11 when he was mad at akk, there was something in his eyes, i’d like for him to explore that. i’d seen all three of them before in other projects and they’re pretty consistent.

pak, tee and petch: the world remembers gang a.k.a. the youth rights club;

i loved them. they were the strong ones, the victims all along and who did nothing wrong! they wanted what's best for everyone. they deserve the world! the actors played them delightfully. a series centered around them would be incredible! they were never used for laughs. the show always took them seriously and so did the characters, and i am so thankful for that! this is unfortunately not the standard in bl series.

the adults: p’yai, p’sine, p’iang, p’jum and p’ron;

the “adult” actors that stood out were teachers waree and chadok, and the principal. they were incredibly intimidating, and played great antagonists. i loved to hate them. i have questions about their characters, though that has nothing to do with the actors, like: did waree believe in the curse? was the principal a teacher for chadok, the same way he was for akk? did the principal allow all those changes to suppalo after chadok resigned? and more…. i liked aye’s mother, and was hopping to see more of her. i also enjoyed uncle dika’s performance. we saw him only as flashbacks from different characters’ eyes, and he succeeded in transmitting every good thing that they thought of him.

the plot

the idea of showing a school as an allegory for a nation isn’t new, but it always has great potential, and i believe that they hit the spot many times! it wasn’t necessarily innovative, but it was brave. a courageous story to tell, from it’s preproduction and it’s crew, to the social commentary and political messages at its core, verbalized mostly by the world remembers gang and ayan.

the mystery wasn’t perfectly managed, but it also wasn’t really the focus of the series. it was largely the background for these characters to exist and these relationships to develop. however, it did keep me guessing at times and asking different questions, that were later answered, one way or another.

the diversity of queer representation

my favorite thing about this show was the different types of lgbt+ journeys:

akk who seemed to be only starting it, who was so scared and repressed to be himself. his economic background already made him stand out in the school, he didn’t need to also not be “normal”.

ayan who had already fully and confidently accepted who he was, thanks to his uncle and mother who were so supportive of him.

the 3jums who never really had the choice to hide, so they owned who they were and fought for their (and everyone’s) right of self expression.

kan who knew but wasn’t sure, tried to repress it because society made him think that it wasn’t okay to feel what he felt.

thua who was out, not explicitly by choice. he couldn’t hide it, but he could make himself small, take as little space as possible, to the point of never speaking up, so he would be ignored.

chadok, who unfortunately lost his fiancé because of his own fear of standing up for himself. he chose the same antiquated system that had already hurt him so much for years, the system that doomed his lover, over his own freedom.

the cinematography and technical aspects

they didn’t have much budget, but the plot didn’t really demand it. the direction was purposeful and the cinematography was skillful; there were some very beautiful shots throughout the series. the symbolism of the eclipse always very present, sometimes quite obviously, but often subtle and organic. technically it was well done, with deliberate lightning and the sound being better than most bls. there were some small continuity errors, the biggest imo being the hair lenghts changing between some scenes.

however the writing;

as a whole (mostly the last two episodes) the writing was somewhat underwhelming, not meeting my initial expectations, nor the potential of the series… while most of the elements to make this series exceptional were there, what really affected the quality of the writing —not saying that it was otherwise perfect, but it was good enough— was that 12 EPISODES WERE NOT ENOUGH TIME!

this story, these characters, these conflicts needed, at least, a few more episodes to develop and come to a conclusion, at most, dividing everything into two seasons.

the pacing of the first 10 episodes was so pleasing to me. it gave me AND the characters, enough time to examine their feelings and talk through them. it focused on how the environment and the interactions in it affected the characters! we saw them exist in their world and with each other, without anything being rushed. it felt natural, i loved it.

but we lost this in episode 11. it was just revelation after revelation, leaving no time for the viewer, nor the characters, to process what was going on. unfortunately with one episode left, there wasn’t much they could do. so they ended up skipping what had once been their main focus; the internal emotional journey of the characters.

episode 12 was cute and fun;

i loved that we got to see akk come out to his parents, as well as him and ayan introducing themselves as a couple to them. those are important moments in the lgbt+ journey! especially for a teen.

i loved to see how after being finally out, the freedom akk felt was visible not only in his relationship with ayan, but also in his face and his whole existence.

i loved all the moments between akk and ayan; the rooftop scene, the pool side scene, everything at the beach and in akk’s room, the little classroom exchange, the —in the words of a twitter moot— mutual pinning,

i loved the full circle moments of opening and closing the series on the red boat, and, the school bathroom scene with the hoodies. these showed growth, making us think back at how akk was and felt at the beginning vs now; and how akk and ayan were and felt when they met vs now.

BUT

it brushed over the huge revelations of the previous episode and so the build up of the whole series fell flat.

the apology to the world remembers was one sentence each? i said it before, they deserved apologies and reparations! i needed akk to officially apologise to them, as well as thua, the prefects, ayan, all the students, and the teachers, too. i did like how akk wasn’t expecting to be forgiven.

actually, within the friend group, no one really apologized to one another. i wanted group therapy full of tears and apologies.

the outing was not addressed (as expected, but i had a slimmer of hope).

the changes to the school (although great) felt unearned… we didn’t see who made this changes and why? it just, felt weird to shove them in a couple of minutes at the end of the episode, when the school and its antiquated system were the main villain of the series! the change of heart of teacher waree also was too sudden.

i wanted to see a serious conversation between kan and thua about everything. i wanted thua to acknowledge his wrongdoings the way akk got to do, multiple times, with ayan. i wanted to see kan be there for him while he went through it. i needed this for closure with their characters and their relationship. these posts by heretherebedork go further into this better than i can. honestly, thua’s character as a whole felt very abandoned to me. they hinted at him having a possibly abusive stepfather, but then it was dropped. they showed us signs mental health struggles, with him wanting to disappear (did i imagine that?), they dropped it too. his friendship with ayan, or whatever they had going, was also dropped at some point. i think that, with him, they focused too much on kan, and not enough on thua as an individual. he’s the only main character that didn’t really grow and learn? everyone else ended different than they started.

WHAT WAS TEACHER SANI DOING AT THE BEACH WITH THEM, THEY WERE DRINKING? she traveled with them all the way to akk’s house… i was scared until the las second that she and wat would have a thing.

the ending felt a little too “coming of age” teen movie. not very fitting when the series touched on quite serious and heavy topics. i don’t mean the happy ending, i mean the way it’s was all so quickly wrapped up and summarized. i half expected the voice over to name each character and what they became. “after graduation, wat became a big name in the indie film scene; the world remembers gang became youth leaders for the community; kan and thua decided to adopt singto and moved in together; and as for me and ayan, he’s thinking of studying political sciences, to no one’s surprise. me, i don’t know yet what i want to do with my life, but that’s okay! for now we are taking some time off and traveling the world together, as boyfriends…”

closing comment:

all in all, i thoroughly enjoyed this series; the talented actors and lgbt+ diverse journeys being the main pull. a lot of work was obviously put into writing (most of) the characters, but the plot was underdeveloped. there was a weird tone and pace shift between the last three episodes, and i want to attribute that to a time issue. sincerely, i would not want to sacrifice the pacing of the first 10 episodes, for parts of 11 and 12 to feel less rushed. it needed additional episodes, not a faster pace.

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sunshinechay · 1 year

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Heyyyy! Just wanted to hop on and say your blog has been bringing me a lot of joy lately. What is your number 1 show and ship atm that you are keeping up with or would like to reccomend?

You have no idea how happy this made me. I’m glad I could help bring you joy!

For my fav show that I’m watching right now…I would have to say it’s A Boss and A Babe. It’s an office romance between Gun (aka Boss), the president and owner of a video game development company and Cher/Laem, who is an intern with the company. They are also my favourite ship from the show. They are absolutely adorable and the acting duo behind them (ForceBook) have such good chemistry. It’s a really nice more mature BL that gmmtv is doing right now, which is a nice break from their usually line up of school bls. It has it’s light hearted moment and it’s serious moments and I absolutely love Cher’s friend group (#foundfamilygoals). Plus the secondary couple (which we don’t get to see nearly enough of) ThreeZo is every level of adorable you can imagine. I would definitely recommend this show if you aren’t watching it already.

My forever rec, of course, is Not Me (The Series). It is a really interesting and enjoyable series that has a lot of social commentary about life in Thailand, especially with regards to poverty, capitalism, disability and LGBTQ+ issues within the country. The found family in this show is something very special to me, especially because we still get to see growth from them even though White walks into an already established group (also #foundfamilygoals). The flag scene changed me as a person, I will never be normal about this show because of it. It also falls in the “Be Gay, Do Crime” type shows that I always end up loving XD. The main ship, SeanWhite, are everything to me. White is someone who manages to surprise everyone with every turn he makes, despite (and likely a little because of) his kind, caring but ultimately rational and calculated nature/personality. Sean is an absolutely babygirl who is here to fuck shit up and love his boyfriend and lucky for him, he gets to do both at the same time…I love him so much. It’s the first bl I watched that forced a ghost ship on me that I don’t talk about enough but am most definitely not normal about (BlackTodd my beloved). It’s OffGun at their finest and definitely worth the watch. (Gun’s acting alone is worth the watch. It genuinely feels like he is two separate people when he plays each of the twins and holy crap this guy deserves all the roles and all the awards.) The rest of cast is made up of equally talented actors who play their roles spectacularly. All in all, it’s a wild ride that I love to watch again and again.

The ship I’m obsessing over atm is KimChay. I just love them so much and I can’t stop thinking about them haha. I think at least a little of that is how open their ending is, which normally I hate but it works for them, especially with the epilogue of sorts they managed to give them during one of the concert shows. Their dynamic (sunshine and sunshine protector) is one of my favourites. They are a perfect match to me, with Chay, despite being so young, being the most emotionally mature, emotionally intuitive character on the show and Kim being an emotion shunning half feral murder kitten who just wants to protect the boy he loves. I mean Kim literally leaves a pile of dead bodies in a bar to show Chay he loves him, which is fucked up but also oddly adorable as he didn’t have to go to help Chay when he could have helped protect his brothers during the attack on the compound. He chose Chay over everyone else and I think in the end, Chay would/will and does chose him back. I mean my boy Kim thought writing a song and releasing it on the internet and publically declaring it was for Chay was a good way to try and make it up to Chay instead of giving Chay what he wanted. You know, an explanation and a conversation about why Kim thought doing what he did was okay. You’ll never convince me Chay wasn’t already ready to forgive Kim for everything during the breakup scene, he just wanted to hear Kim’s side of the story and have an honest conversation with him about it. I think Chay absolutely understands that he did it for his brothers because Chay would also do anything for his brother, he just wants to hear Kim say it (see again, my belief that Chay is the most emotionally mature character in the entire show, every single adult included XD).

Ironically though the ship I’m reading the most fic for right now is probably VegasPete, though both KinnPorsche and KimChay are in there as well :D

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wizkiddx · 3 years

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was thinking for toms most recent ig story it sounds like hes working out early everyday, what if u did a blurb where the reader does it with his and its like best friend --> something else ? sounded like a you type of story, id love if you gave it a go ❤️💕

oohkay so sorry this lit just came through this evening and I suddenly got v stupidly into it (if u put in a req before that I promise I am working on it I just got way to invested cos this is stupidly cute) xxxx

summary: what starts off as tom taking you under his wing and some sunrise workouts together might just develop into something more

“It shouldn’t be legal…. to be doing anything… this fucking early!” Spoken, well yelled, in between the fake strokes of the exercise bike and your pants. All you got in response was the two men laughing at you, no sign of sympathy at all, as your gritted your teeth - fighting against every body instinct to stop the movements. Your heart was pumping like the clappers; breathing shallow and rushed and your arms… your arms felt like they were about to fall off. Combine that with the lack of sleep from waking up before the sun did at 5 am - meant you felt like your were in literal hell.

Why ever you’d agreed to do these workouts with Tom and Duffy escaped you. Being the new and rising actress, with a new supporting role in the next Spiderman, meant you’d spent a lot of time with Tom over the past few weeks. Not to inflate his ego either, but Tom had been a real life hero to you. See, you were the complete opposite of his experienced and seasoned professionalism - this was your first acting gig. And what a gig it was, the second biggest part in a Marvel movie. You never really believed you’d get the part and even when you did, were pretty sure it was some elaborate joke, where Ant and Dec were going to jump out from some corner and go ‘ha its a prank!’ or something.

Yet somehow it was all still happening, you had been flown halfway across the world to spend three months alone on a film set. Well obviously not alone, but you knew no one - you were a complete outsider. That, really, was the reason you’d agreed to do these sessions with Tom. He’d offered half heartedly while between takes as you were moaning about how out of breath you got in that scene. At that point, you’d only known each other for a matter of weeks, he really hadn’t expected you to commit to 5 am each and every morning. What he wasn’t aware of though, was how ocmplerly stranded and lonely you felt here, hence why you jumped at his offer.

And yes you loved to moan and complain when you were there, however you were also so incredibly thankful he ever offered. Duffy, Tom’s PT, was a right laugh too and he took great joy in torturing you - and was also entertained by the new and inventive ways you’d insult him after he ordered you about.

“Come on Y/n, 200m more and then we are done, even your little arms can survive that.”

“Really … not the encouragement… I was looking for.” Still panting, face bright red and blotchy as you pressed your legs straight again.

“Tom? You wanna help Y/n out?”

“Nah you know… kind of enjoying seeing her in pain.” The British voice laughed from somewhere behind you, making you roll your eyes.

“Why the hell… are you not… torturing him?” He sounded way to comfortable and relaxed to be working hard.

“He’s got a stunt heavy day today so wanted to go easy this morning.”

Now that was a bloody joke. You were BOTH filming the SAME scene today, doing the SAME stunts.

“Did I forget to mention Y/n is on set too?” The joy in Tom’s voice made you want to do horrible things to him. Even though you felt like you wanted to collapse on the floor, you’d happily do a set or two on a punch bag right now - if that punch bag was Tom’s face.

Before you could hurl some fresh abuse at your costar, Duffy called time on the rowing machine, turning the display off and passing your water bottle over as you slouched on the slidey seat.

“Done good Y/n/n, I am actually super impressed with your progress” The stocky man patted you on the back genuinely, bringing a bit of smile to your otherwise grimacing face. He went over the chat to Tom about some boy shit that you couldn’t care less about, allowing you a couple minutes to get your breath back. As soon as you did and tried to dismount the machine of death, your ruined legs seemed to have other plans, shakily buckling so you ended up starfished on the floor, groaning at the dull ache that came with the sudden movement.

And what show of concern did Duffy show you? A belly laugh that echoed round Toms indoor gym making you groan again, throwing your forearm over your eyes. It was in fact the curly haired brunette, who came and knelt by your side, wordlessly balling up the towel and placing it under your head as you shot your eyes open in shock.

“You okay? Sorry… I might’ve taken our friendly competition a bit too far.”

“I just… just might have to gain the power of flight this afternoon cos my legs aren’t gonna bloody work.” Tom chuckled and shook his head at your dry humour.

“Oh I’m sure we can talk to Jon and get that arranged… not like Marvel don’t spend years crafting the script and storyline for a newbie actor to change it all.”

“Might I remind you… they wouldn’t have to if your weren’t such a dickhead!” You exclaimed, sitting up and staring at him with an exasperated look than only made him burst out laughing again.

“I’m sorry I’m sorry… I just cant take you seriously when you look like such a tomato!” His voice went an octave higher as he laughed at himself, the situation getting even worse for you when you heard Duffy join in too.

The boy was bloody lucky you couldn’t lift your arms right now, otherwise they’s almost certainly be attempting to ruin his pretty boy face.

/////////////////////////////

After a long day of shooting you and Tom were in one of the set buggies, being taken back to your trailers to change for the evening. There was a peaceful silence until Tom ruined it yet again.

“ Got any fancy plans for this evening then?”

“Well you know me, back to my lonely little old place and frozen pizza - so living the movie star life.”

“It’s a Friday! You not going out with your team or anything?” He sounded so bemused at your quiet plans, and mention of a ‘team’ had you cocking your head to the side.

“‘My team?’ Tom until I get my movie star pay check I can barely afford my pizzas, never mind a whole persons wage.” You were still only three weeks into filming and although you spent an hour every other morning sweating your ass off with Tom - apart from that you’d tried not to impose yourself on him too much. You didnt want to look clingy and naturally Tom always had a mountain of people vying for his attention - you would go to the back of a long line. So honestly, you were still a bit of a mystery to him, right now you’d both only scratched the surface on each other.

“Really? I know this is your first big job but I thought you’d have someone here?”

“Nah… I mean I’ve kinda clung to the Marty on the camera crew but he’s going to see family tonight sooo.”

“Come back to mine. I’ve swapped Harry for his twin Sam, which is a bit of an upgrade cos Sam’s a chef. He just arrived last night. I bet he can one up any pizza you were planning on.”

“Honestly I don’t want to impose, sorry I didnt mean for this to be a pity party or-“ The buggy slowed to a stop and Tom instantly vaulted out of it, standing right infront of you and blocking you exist off the back sofa. Both of you were still in costume, Tom in latex and you in your corset-esque two piece, but then both wrapped in matching long line black jackets supplied by set.

“No come on I’m serious… Sam’s dying to meet you and it’d be good to spend more time together. You know, cos of chemistry and all.” The last bit was a switch from his cool and smooth, normally easy going tone - into something a bit more… anxious? Just like that, before your brain even knew what it was doing, you agreed, smiling broadly and nodding.

So barely an hour later, you were knocking on the doors to Tom’s mansion-ish rented Atlanta home which was much much more grand than what the studio had arranged for you. Even though you were here most mornings, this time it felt different. Yeh it was stupid, but you can’t help the way you feel and you were stressed. For no real reason… just, just because.

Thankfully, it wasn’t awkward at all and you especially instantly hit it off with his younger brother Sam. Everything just felt easy and simple which meant so much more considering you’d felt so isolated an alone halfway across the world for your home comforts. Being British too, simply chatting to the two young men about your hometown and growing up was just so familiar, it really helped you feel less homesick. Naturally too, you’d fallen into a casual and friendly ribbing of Tom with Sam, making the three of you spend to majority of the evening cracking up (or in Tom’s case pouting at the abuse). It was a nice change from the two on one attack you got from Tom and Duffy that morning. You’d all cooked dinner together… well no, you and Tom had stood idly watching Sam cook an amazing chicken curry dish - which he promised to give you the recipe too. Honestly Sam felt like your long lost best friend, especially when it came to your shared ability to berate Tom for anything and everything.

About an hour ago Tom had stuck on the film, effectively shutting up you and Sam - thankfully for him since Sam was just about to get to some rather embarrassing stories of Tom as a kid. You and Tom were on the longer grey sofa; with Sam sat the other side of the coffee table in an impressively soft armchair - looking as though it was swallowing the lanky boy. The calm, the silence and the comfort was only going to go one way for you though. After your workout this morning, plus all the running and jumping during the shoot, after what had already been a pretty intense week, it was hardly surprising that you didn’t even notice yourself drifting off the sleep.

Who did notice though? Perhaps your brown haired costar who’d been stealing glances across to you ever since the movie had been put on? Because as much as he hated to admit it to himself, this didnt seem to be panning out as a normal job. A normal job is something you put your all into, for a couple weeks, and then leave with good memories and a good pay check. Yes, he had only known your for a matter of weeks or so but it already seemed to be unfathomable to cut ties with you. How would he go without your kind mannered abuse everyday? You were just refreshing, new and mysterious. And Tom was more than intrigued, his interest was peaked.

And it was stupid to feel like that…. Of course it was. You can’t fancy a colleague because things get complicated and awkward. Tom knew that.

Then why was he now delicately draping a blanket over your frame and smiling smally when you hummed in your sleep, in what seemed to be a show of appreciation for the layer of warmth?

Because you were his excited puppy of a costar who is giving everything she has for the job? Because he is worried and wants to look after you? Because he cares?

No matter why, in that moment you were contented and as was Tom. Oh and Sam?

Sam saw the tell tale signs in his brother. He saw the way Tom had been touching your arm or the small of your back just a little more than what would be considered normal while he’d been cooking. He’d seen the way Tom had been laughing purely because you had. His eldest brother never did anything rash, it was always a painfully slow process for everyone involved. But Sam thought this just might be the start of something. The start of a slow burn.

#tom holland #tom holland fluff #tom holland x reader #tomholland #Tom Holland angst #tom holland x y/n #tom holland x actress!reader #tom holland x you #sam holland

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petersasteria · 3 years

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Raising You - Holland!Reader

Holland!Reader || Main || Taglist

Requested? Nah. 1,941 words TW: character deaths, swear words, nothing super bad

I was supposed to post this on Mother's Day, but it wasn't ready by then and I didn't know the direction of this story. But yeah. Here it is now. Enjoy.

* * * *

“I hate you!” You screamed. “Why do you always ruin things for me?! You’re no fun at all!” Tears were streaming down your face as you ran up the stairs to go to your room.

Tom followed you and said, “Tough luck, Y/N! I love you and whether you like it or not, I’ll always meddle in your life!”

“Go away!” You shouted, went into your room, and slammed the door. Tom furiously knocked on the door and let out a frustrated sigh when he heard you lock it.

He rubbed his face and went downstairs to cool off. He walked in the living room and saw a framed picture of both of you. He smiled at the sight and immediately went to grab the picture. “When did you grow up?” He asked himself quietly.

Things were different. His life was difficult. He no longer had parents and his brothers perished in a terrible accident. All he had left was you. He could’ve followed his dreams and took his talent to Hollywood, but life was cruel. He never got a chance to do that because his family mattered more to him than any film career.

Tom couldn’t remember a time when he had a decent break. To him, he was always working and on the go just to get by. But he knew that his parents would be proud of him for stepping up at being the best brother for you.

Tonight was just different.

He got a call from your school saying that you left prom with one of the douche-y dudes. It was just fitting that Harrison was with him, so he had some help in dealing with you.

“Haz, I’m really worried. She could be anywhere!” Tom said as he paced back and forth, clutching his phone.

“Mate, calm down. We’ll find her, alright?” Harrison said calmly. “Have you called her?”

“Yes, and she didn’t answer. I left 20 fucking voicemails, Haz! Fucking 20! Still no answer. I called her friends and they said they didn’t know where she went and obviously that’s bullshit! What if she was kidnapped? O-Or killed somewhere and she’s dead in a ditch in the middle of fucking nowhere??” Tom rambled, running a hand through his hair frustratedly.

Harrison looked at his worried best friend and only said three words, “Check your wallet.”

“What?” Tom stopped pacing to look at him. Harrison shrugged, “Check your wallet.”

“We have no time to shop online right now, Harrison.” Tom said through gritted teeth, but grabbed his wallet anyway. He opened his wallet and he still didn’t know what he was supposed to look for. As if reading his mind, Harrison added, “Check your credit card or debit card or whatever fucking card you have. Check your cash.”

Tom did what he was told and groaned in frustration, “Y/N took my credit card and she took the fake ID that I confiscated from her.”

Harrison nodded and pointed to the phone, “Call the bank and ask for your recent activity.”

Tom called the bank and asked what his recent activity was. They told him that he checked into a motel about three minutes ago and gave him the address. Tom has certainly never been there and it baffled him on how you wound up in a place like that. Tom thanked the bank and hung up.

“She’s at a motel.”

Just like that, the two best friends got in Tom’s car and drove to the motel. Tom was too nervous to drive, so Harrison drove instead. Tom was looking out his window to see where the motel was and they eventually found it. Harrison parked the car and they both got out.

They went to the person in charge and asked if they'd seen you. “She was wearing a prom dress and she’s with some guy who was probably wearing a tux.” Tom explained.

“Yeah, I know those two.”

“Where are they?” Harrison asked.

“Room 2A.” The man said.

“Okay. Can we please have your spare key for that room?” Tom asked. “It’s an emergency.”

“No, sorry.” The man replied and sipped his coffee. Harrison glanced behind the man and immediately saw the key for room 2A. He walked around the desk and grabbed the man from behind. “Tom, go!” Harrison shouted as the man tried to get out of his grip.

“What are you doing?!” Tom shrieked.

“GET THE FUCKING KEY.” Harrison nodded his head toward the key and Tom’s jaw dropped in realization. Tom quickly jumped on the desk and grabbed the key for the room. When he grabbed it, he ran outside; followed by Harrison.

“Return that key!” The man shouted.

Tom and Harrison went up the stairs and walked around until they found your room. They stood in front of the door and Tom whispered, “What now?”

“You go in there and just take her. I’ll be out here for back up.” Harrison whispered back and Tom nodded.

Tom knocked on the door and said ‘housekeeping’ in a high pitched voice. Harrison slapped his arm and mouthed “what the fuck”.

“It’s improv! I can’t just barge in like a freak. I’m an actor, Haz.” Tom defended quietly, earning an eye roll from his best mate.

“We’re busy!” A male voice said which enraged Tom.

“Alright. Now, I can barge in.” Tom said as he used the key to open the door. The chain was in the way, but he managed to break it by pushing the door open.

“Y/N!” Tom shouted.

“Tom! What are you doing here? How did you find me?!” You shrieked. Your hair was messy and your dress wasn’t as neat compared to when you left the house. The guy with you was just watching the whole scene go down.

“That doesn’t matter now. Get in the car!” He yelled.

You shook your head, “No! I’m staying here with Brad!”

“Over my dead fucking body, Y/N.” Tom said before he grabbed your wrist and dragged you outside. Brad intervened and grabbed your other hand, “Let go, man!”

Tom was stronger and he was able to pull you out of Brad’s grip and told Harrison to take you to the car and give the key back to the man downstairs. You and Harrison went to the car and Tom stayed to lecture Brad.

“Chill out, man. Nothing happened!” Brad exclaimed.

“Okay and what if something did happen, hmm? What if you got her pregnant? Can you pay for child support? Do you plan on marrying my sister in the future? Are you ready to take care of a fucking baby?! I DON’T THINK SO.” Tom said angrily.

“She’s 15 and she has a great life ahead of her! I’m not going to let some boy ruin that. If you look at her or even blink at her, I will end you, Brad.” Tom threatened before leaving.

Tom sighed and put the picture back. Harrison left when you got home and that’s when your screaming match with Tom started. He walked up to your room and knocked on the door.

“Go away!” You said.

“You know, saying that will only make me knock on the door again. Just let me in. Let’s talk this out.” Tom said softly. He waited for a few seconds and he heard you unlock the door. He smiled at himself and let himself in.

He stared at you as you lay in bed with red eyes and puffy cheeks. He went further in the room and closed the door behind him before sitting down on the foot of your bed.

"I'm sorry for what happened back there, but I was doing it for your own good. You'll thank me in the future." Tom said and you rolled your eyes.

"Don't roll your eyes at me, young lady." He gave you a pointed look. "I'm serious. I guarantee that if it happened, you'll regret giving it to someone who isn't special after all. So you're welcome, I saved your ass."

"You're not the boss of me. Don't you remember what it's like to be young?!"

"Yes, I am the boss of you and of course I remember what it was like to be young. It was five years ago when I was 19!" Tom raised his voice and stood up. He paced around your room to calm down. He didn't want to fight, but you were being stubborn.

He looked at you and put his hands on his hips. “I never got to truly explore or- or experiment with different things, alright? I was robbed of my youth because I have to step up. I’m the eldest so it’s my job to take care of you; all of you.”

“Do you know how shocking it was for me?!” Tom shrieked. “I never got to grieve properly because I had to be strong for you and Paddy and Sam and Harry. It was too much for me to handle, but I forced myself to push through because I had no choice but to move forward.”

“Sam and Harry had their youth taken away too because they had to help me. When they were your age, they worked and picked up a few side jobs just to help me pay the bills. We’re lucky that we get to keep this house because it was already paid for by mum and dad before they died.”

“I had to give up everything for all four of you and you have no idea what that’s like, Y/N!” Tom yelled. He was clearly frustrated and it dawned on you that he never released those pent up feelings and you just let him shout.

“Sam and Harry were there sometimes, but they were also too busy trying to make something of themselves. Most of the time, it was me! They were working and going to school for their future and I was at home with you and Paddy because both of you were still too young. All my friends were out partying, dating, going to university. Meanwhile, I’m at home too busy being your mum and dad and brother.” He cried out of frustration, causing you to cry too.

He sat down at the edge of your bed and wiped his tears as you stared at him., not bothering to wipe your tears. “Now three of our brothers are also gone and it’s fucked. They never got to reach the finish line of their dreams and goals.” He said quietly. Tom looked at you and gave you a tight-lipped smile, “I don’t want to fight anymore, okay? It’s just you and me now and we have to be a team. We should help each other, so before you do anything stupid ask yourself if it’ll put stress on me. If the answer is yes, then don’t do it. I don’t need more stress.”

You only nodded. He got up from your bed and said, “Good night.” Before he left your room, you walked up to him and gave him a hug, “Thank you for your sacrifices and I’m sorry for being a pain in the ass.”

He chuckled lightly and hugged back, “I’m sorry for being strict, but it’s all part of the parenting thing.”

“You’ll be a great dad.” You said softly before yawning. Tom’s heart melted when you said that. “You think so?” He asked.

“I know so.” You told him. He smiled and kissed the top of your head. It may be sad that five of your family members left both of you, but it was okay. You had each other and that’s all that matters.

* * * *

𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃!𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @blueleatherbag @thatforgottenangel @turtoix @runawayolives @chewymoustachio @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @alexx-stancati @rumplebutterbaby @dummiesshort @thevelvetseries @quxxnxfhxll @angelsgrxzer @dreamy-clousds @bora-world @caitsymichelle13 @wannabemobwife

𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @holland-styles @trustfundparker @alinastarkrovs @felicityparkers @hufflepuffprincess24 @tommysparker @justasmisunderstoodasloki @quaksonhehe @call-me-baby-gir1 @itstaskeen @theonly1outof-a-billion @lost-in-the-stars03 @justafangirlduh @piscesparker @speedymaximoff @miraclesoflove @lexirv @blairscott @getbywithasmile @pqrkerr @lavender-writer @blackbat2020 @hoodpankow @bi-lmg @emmastarz

#tom holland #harry holland #holland!reader #tom holland x holland!reader #petersasteria

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eideticmemory · 4 years

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WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS... | MATTHEW GRAY GUBLER

Description: Impromptu trip to Vegas with your very gorgeous boyfriend!

Word Count: 2,948.

Rating: M.

Warning/Includes: Oral sex, 19 year age gap between adults.

“[y/n]? [y/n]? C’mon, Jellybean, wake up,” Matthew whispered, gently nudging your sleeping frame. He knelt beside the bed, pushed your hair from your face, kissed your nose. The soft touches alerted you to his presence, and your eyes fluttered open. “There she is,” he smiled. “Good morning.”

“Matthew, what are you doing, baby?” You mumbled, your voice raspy and small.

“Need you to get up, we gotta go.”

“Go? Go where?”

“Do you trust me?”

“Right now?”

“[y/n],” he giggled.

You sighed, “I trust you.”

When you crawled out of bed, looking like a corpse, Matthew already had a couple of bags packed. His car keys sat on the nightstand, ready to go and be gone. Matthew was dressed in a set of matching pajamas, covered in a pattern of stripes. He held your hand, guiding you down the stairs of his house and out the door.

“Oh, God, don’t tell me the old man’s lost his mind already!” You joked, rolling your eyes at him as you stepped in his car. “Where are we going, babe?”

Matthew sighed, anxiously pawing at the steering wheel. You pushed his hair out of his face, gently grazing your fingers against his cheek, “Talk to me.” You whispered.

“I—“ he stuttered. “I saw what people have been saying about you online. About us.”

Matthew made the very hesitant decision to bring you to the Horse Girl premiere. Nervous as you both were to go public, you distracted your love by making jokes the whole time, holding him close, whispering in his ear. Plenty of photographers captured candid photos of the two of you on the red carpet, smiling at each other, Matthew kissing your cheek. It was a wonderful night, filled with wonderful people, celebrating a wonderful movie starring the most wonderful actor.

It was so successful, in fact, that you two felt comfortable enough to go out on a very impromptu, very public beach date. Matthew knew he’d be an idiot to say no — being that you agreed to wear an itty bitty bikini. And you wanted nothing more than a stroll down the shore with your man. Fingers interlocked, a smile on both yours face, you took small steps in the sand, the water wetting your feet with each wave. Matthew had never felt so safe, so secure, in front of so many people. He twirled you around and had you laughing so hard, you snorted. You gave each other quick and messy kisses, held each other. And it was all caught on camera, in photos taken by strangers, meant for social media.

When those pictures got out, all hell broke loose.

For you, specifically. Fans found your instagram, and very rapidly began to follow you. Found out anything and everything they could. When they saw a recent birthday post confirming your young age, the comments weren’t so nice. In your eyes you were Matthew’s girlfriend. So, to see comments strictly referring to you as a gold digger, sugar baby, and Matthew as a predator, it broke your heart.

You thought you’d kept it hidden, kept Matthew guarded from it. But not well enough, apparently.

You let out a heavy breath, your eyes falling closed in sadness, heartbreak at Matthew’s confession. “Oh, Matthew...”

“And you’ve been so down lately, and it hurts me. It physically hurts me, I just—like to see you happy. I thought a trip might cheer you up.”

You gave him a small smile, “Drive.”

His eyes flickers up to you, “Yeah?”

You nodded, “Yeah.”

Matthew let you blast your favorite music for three hours straight. He liked to see you smile, dancing and sing along. He nearly crashed several times because he was so focused on you.

You stopped to get food, and you had to feed him to allow him to drive properly. He would make happy noises everytime you lifted your hand to his mouth, and he would kiss your knuckles before taking a bite of food.

“You’re so beautiful, baby,” you cooed, tapping his nose lovingly with your finger. Your hand found it’s way to his hair, and you played with it as you started to kiss his neck.

“Fuck, you really want me to crash this car, huh?” He giggled.

You undid your seatbelt, and leaned in to whisper in his ear, “You have no idea.” You fixed your posture, kneeling in your seat so you could hover your face over his lap. You slyly began to undo his pants.

“Holy shit, [y/n],” he gasped.

You bit down on your lip, freeing his cock from his boxers. You kissed the tip of it, before allowing his length to glide down your throat. He sucked in a sharp breath, “Oh, fuck.” He gripped onto the steering wheel, his teeth grinding together. He used all his strength to focus on the road, keep control of the car.

You bobbed your head up and down, breath coming in through your nose, Matthew hitting the back of your throat with each movement. It took every ounce of him to not buck his hips up, push your head down. When you wrapped your hand around the base of his dick and jerked him at the same time, he couldn’t contain his moans and his body started to tremble.

“Oh, fuck, babygirl,” he groaned. “Keep going.”

You happily complied, speeding up your movement until he was whimpering into his mouth. You hollowed your cheeks, and allowed yourself to gag on him, saliva dripping onto his skin.

“Hm, you gonna let me come down your throat?” He whispered, one of his hands moving down to grip onto your hair.

“M-mhm,” you replied.

His moans increased in volume and frequency, until he was letting out loud and guttural swear words, and releasing himself into your mouth. “Fuck,” he muttered, glancing down at you. You slid him out of your mouth, puckering your lips as you swallowed everything. You looked up at him and fluttered your eyelashes innocently.

He chuckled, “That was wonderful, thank you.”

You sat back in your seat, giggling, “You’re welcome.”

“Now, will you please put your seatbelt back on? You’re making me nervous, babe.”

“Oh,” you pretended to pout, fixing your seatbelt. “You’re no fun.”

The two of you pulled into Vegas twenty minutes later. Matthew parked his car in his mother’s driveway. When she stepped out of her house, she instantly recognized the car and began to jump up and down in excitement. “Matthew!” She exclaimed.

But when you stepped out of the car, her attention very rapidly shifted gears. “[y/n]!” She screamed. She ran up to you and embraced you in a tight hug. “Oh, my goodness, what a surprise!”

Matthew followed you two into the house, carrying your bags at his side. Apparently he was the only one who knew about this little visit. However, you were very happy to be there and his mom was happy to have you. She helped you two get settled in Matthew’s old bedroom.

“Vegas, huh?” You said to Matthew after she left the room. “Are we here to gamble?”

“Gamble, drink, whatever you want, beautiful,” he smiled.

“Okay,” you giggled. “Let me take a quick shower and change. Ooh, I should brush my teeth, too. Get the taste of dick out of my mouth.”

Matthew and you got impeccably dressed just to spend most of the day in the house. You helped his mother cook lunch, and she filled you in on everything she’d been up to since seeing you last. The three of you played board games, ate, had some wine, and carried a conversation for a long time. When you and Matthew would sit with one another, she’d consistently point out how perfect you two looked together. It made your heart swell.

Later in the afternoon, Matthew and you went out to a bar. You sat on adjacent stools and ordered margaritas.

“Can I see some ID?” The bartender asked you.

Matthew stifled his laughter, and you cut your eyes at him. “Oh, shut up,” you whispered to him, pulling your license out of your pocket. The bartender verified your age, seeing that you were newly 21, and went on his way.

Within an hour or so, you two had consumed nearly 6 drinks each, and it was painfully clear. You laughed, often and loudly at every joke the other made. Matthew fell off his stool. Twice. You were eating peanuts hand over fist. You two were a mess.

Matthew left for three seconds to use the bathroom, and some asshole felt it appropriate to approach you. He was slightly more sober, and thought you were there alone. He struck up a painful conversation, being sure to comment on how beautiful you were every two seconds. You rolled your eyes when he wasn’t looking. He got closer to you, thinking you wouldn’t notice. But you did. So did Matthew.

“Hey, baby,” Matthew announced his presence, putting his hand on your back. “Ready to go?”

You nodded, and gave the flirt a kind smile. “Nice meeting you,” you lied.

As you exited the bar together, Matthew was quiet, and from his stern face, you could tell he was sobering up. Something was weighing on his mind. “Babe?” You called. “Babe, what’s wrong?” He attempted to keep walking down the strip, but you stopped him with your body. “Hey! Talk to me. What’s wrong?”

He let out a long sigh, “I’m...I’m never gonna be okay with that.”

“What? Guys flirting with me?”

“Young...guys flirting with you,” he couldn’t hold eye contact with you out of embarrassment.

“Oh, Matthew,” you frowned. “We’ve talked about this, baby. What do I always tell you? Hm?”

He licked his lips, “That...that I’m your old man, and you only want me.”

“That’s right, grandpa,” you smiled, pulling his body into yours. “You are my greatest love, and I’m lucky to have you, and if you think some young guy could ever steal me away, you couldn’t be more wrong.”

He sighed, “Yeah,” he nodded. “Let’s get back home.”

“Wait, wait, Matthew,” you pleaded, stopping him once again. You sighed, “How can I convince you? What do you need?”

“Nothing,” he said sadly. “I’m fine, babe.”

He was a big, fat liar. And you may have been a little drunk - or, a lot drunk - but it still hurt to see him upset. You suddenly got a bright idea, and in the middle of a dimly lit, sketchy, Las Vegas strip, you got down on one knee.

“[y/n], what are you doing?”

“Matthew Gray Gubler,” you gulped. “Will you marry me?”

He scoffed, “Okay, time to get you to bed.”

“I’m serious!” You squeaked. “I want to marry you! Right now!”

“[y/n]...”

You rose to your feet, “No. Listen to me. I love you. I love you more than anyone has ever loved anyone in the history of the planet. And I want to marry you. I want to go to that court house right now, get a marriage license, and marry you!”

His jaw was dropped in shock, but the corners of his mouth were turned up in a slight smile. “You’re insane.”

You stepped over to him, wrapped your arms around his waist, “So, are you saying yes?”

He slowly cupped your face in his hands, every inch of his body filling with pure love. “It’s not a yes, babygirl. It’s a hell yes.”

You two were so excited that you drunkenly ran to the courthouse. You got there just before they closed, and the lady at the desk reluctantly allowed you two to obtain a marriage license. She could smell the booze on your breath, but also see the love in your eyes. She watched the two of you rush out of the building, hand in hand.

“A ring!” Matthew exclaimed, screeching to a halt.

“Huh?”

“I didn’t get you a ring! Fuck!”

You rubbed his shoulders to soothe him, and out of the corner of your eye, you noticed a store, the sign above it lit up and colorful. You gasped, “Matthew!” You exclaimed. “A pawn shop!”

“A what?”

“A pawn shop!” You repeated.

“I am not getting you a ring from a pawn shop!” He insisted, but you were already running towards the shop, happy and giddy.

“Come on!” You shouted. “Come on!”

You burst into the store and began to cruise the jewelry. The door jingled, indicating Matthew’s arrival. “Gosh, you run fast,” he huffed.

“Nah, you’re just old,” you told him. “Excuse me, sir?” You called out to the shop owner. “Do you have any wedding rings?”

“Yeah, over here,” the man replied, motioning for the two of you to join him.

“[y/n], I don’t know if we’ll find what we’re looking for here,” Matthew whispered to you.

But you drowned him out, approaching the salesman and eyeing the jewelry in front of you. “What are you looking for?” The man asked. “A matching set?”

“No—“

“Yes,” you interrupted Matthew. “One for me, another for my man here.”

“Well, these is our selection,” he motioned to the case below you. “We have white gold, traditional gold...”

“Wait,” Matthew interjected. He stepped up to the case of jewelry and kneeled down in front of it, his eyes squinted. “These ones, right here,” he pointed. “Can we see those?”

You stared at Matthew, confused as to why he so adamantly wanted to see these rings. The jeweler pulled them out of the case, carefully setting them down in front of you.

You gasped at first sight. He presented the two of you with two bands — one of which was white gold, covered in small diamonds and a large blue sapphire, and the second of which was a plain silver band. Matthew stood beside you, reading the expression on your face.

“This one screams [y/n], don’t you think?” Matthew whispered to you. “Can she try it on?” He directed at the salesman.

“Of course,” he nodded.

Matthew picked up the ring carefully, and held his palm out for your hand. You shakily placed your hand in his gentle grasp and watched in bliss as he slid the ring onto your finger. Tears clouded your vision as you stared at the ring, feeling the way it fit your hand like a glove. Your eyes switched from the ring to Matthew’s face — his eyes, his soft smile.

“Does it fit?” Matthew asked you.

You gulped, “Yes,” your voice broke. “Yes, it fits.”

Before you left, Matthew insisted that you take the ring off for the ceremony and you told him that would happen over your dead body. You were attached to this ring and it was attached to you. There was no separating you two now.

You walked into the first Vegas chapel you found. It was within walking distance, and was painted pink on the inside and outside. It was decorated with hearts and clouds and little cupids. It was awful.

So it was perfect.

You presented the staff with your marriage license, and they ordered you two to wait patiently until the last couple was done. It was only for a few minutes, but boy, did you both have a lot of thoughts in such a short time. You thought about regrets, and sadness, and impulsivity. Then you looked at each other. And every thought faded away.

You two stood in front of an ordained minister dressed as Madonna, hand in hand, facing each other. She read her words out loud to you both, and the two of you could barely contain your laughter.

“This is crazy,” you whispered to Matthew, sliding the band onto his ring finger.

“Insane,” he said back. But looking at the ring, and looking at you, he knew. He knew nothing in his life had made this much sense. Had made him this happy. This safe, this fulfilled.

“Do you, Matthew Gubler,” the minister said. “Take [y/n] [y/l/n] to—“

“I do,” Matthew answered abruptly.

The minister and you both laughed. “And do you, [y/n]—“

“Yes, hell yes!” You exclaimed.

“Then by the power vested in me by the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” she announced. “You may kiss—“

Matthew pulled you in by your waist and kissed you passionately, before the minister could finish her speech. You kissed him back, your legs kicking up behind you, just like in the movies. You held him by his shoulders, both of your eyes squeezed shut as you had your first kiss as a married couple. When you pulled away, you stared into each other’s eyes. Both of you were on the brink of tears, and a single drop ran down Matthew’s cheek. You wiped it away with your thumb, and kissed his nose.

“Well,” you said. “I think this is the best drunk idea I’ve ever had.”

You got back to his mother’s house at one in the morning. You had gentle, passionate sex in his bed and cuddled until the sun came up. He spooned you, watching you over your shoulder. You were in a daze, fucked out, staring at your hand — your ring. You twirled it around your finger, sighing happily.

Matthew kissed your shoulder and tucked his chin into the crook of your neck. His arms were wrapped around your waist. “Any regrets?” He whispered.

You grinned to yourself and slowly turned to face him. You placed your hand against his cheek and leaned in, kissing him softly. You put your forehead against his, “No regrets,” you shook your head. “From now until death do us part.”

#mine #cougar!matthew #matthew gray gubler #matthew gray gubler smut #matthew gray gubler imagine #mgg #mgg smut #mgg imagine

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inkribbon796 · 3 years

Text

What a Beautiful Wedding Ch. 1: A Sense of Poise and Rationality

Summary: “What a beautiful wedding” says a bridesmaid to a waiter. “And, yes, but what a shame. What a shame . . .

Nothing bad happens here, I promise.

A/N: The music swells, the curtain lifts. Ladies, gentlemen, and all configurations of being: the show has begun . . .

Titles here are from Panic! at the Disco’s “I Write Sins not Tragedies”.

Okay, so this one’s been a bear to write so this might be uploaded a couple chapters today and the rest over the next day or two.

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Eric looked at himself in the mirror as Roman set the final touches on his hair. His dark hair had small braids with tiny beads designed to catch the sunlight. His suit was an off-white color and his wrists were decorated with intricate bangles that kept his nerves from activating his powers and setting things on fire.

Despite the suits and dresses and other formal attire all the heroes were still in their masks. Secrecy was still important and they knew the press would be nearby. The only exception would be Eric, who got glasses enchanted, courtesy of the Host, to protect his identity from anyone who shouldn’t know it.

“And voila!” Roman announced and did a little excited jump, spinning the chair marginally and holding up a mirror so that Eric could see the back of his head.

“Awww, you look so cute,” Patton told him.

“R-eally?” Eric ducked his head nervously.

“Positively radiant, my dear,” Roman boasted, his red dress swishing as he twirled. “Not an eye will be able to look away from you.”

Eric’s eyes widened fearfully.

“Nice going Princey,” Virgil spoke up from across the room.

“They’ll look in a good way,” Roman promised. “They’ll see you and realize that you are the most beautiful man in the world.”

“B-ut that’s Illy,” Eric managed to force out.

Roman paused to think on that, “Well I won’t deny that he’s obnoxiously good looking but now you can give him a run for his money.”

Randall walked in, “How we lookin’[1]?”

Twisting around the chair, Roman grinned as he motioned to Eric. “Marvel at this masterpiece. I dare say Da Vinci nor Monet could have done better.”

“Very handsome,” Randall told Eric, both childhood friends smiling at each other. “Just came from checkin’ on the other groom. We’re just waiting fer a final sweep ‘a the area to make sure it’s alright.”[2]

“Alright,” Eric said.

On the other side of the building, Illinois was fiddling with his bow tie as he checked his hair and suit in the mirror.

“How’s it looking?” Illinois asked, his eyes moving to look at his adopted brother in the mirror.

“Nothing is amiss,” the Host told him.

“Marv still isn’t back,” Chase reminded. “I don’t like it. I haven’t heard a peep from him.”

“The Host spoke with Marvin, he is on his way back to the city with the Blade and the Angel of Death,” the Host took a seat. “While they will be late for the ceremony, Illinois and the attendants will find that they will arrive just in time.”

“Okay,” Illinois took a deep breath. He didn’t touch his lucky coin, he wanted today to be a good day. A perfect day.

He’d been trying to play his safe for months to hoard as much magic as possible. No adventures. No fights. Not even a card game with his siblings.

Because Eric deserved nice things. He deserved to be happy and safe.

After a while Dark checked his pocket watch, and Illinois walked out with him and the Host. The blind seer headed on ahead to wait with the other groomsmen.

Dark waited at one end of a long rug that led to a big outdoor gazebo with a dark wood roof. Chairs led up to the gazebo and had wooden structures protecting it from any accidental rain or glare from the sun. A matching rug was one that Randall would lead Eric down. The two grooms would meet in the middle and then walk up to the altar where Jackie, who had taken the online classes needed to officiate marriages.

The Entity paused, waiting for the signal from the organ that Dark could start walking. But he looked over at Illinois. The young man was looking around, his hand reaching into his pocket and resisted trying to pull out his lucky coin.

In the demon’s mind he thought of little Illinois, barely at chest level, with wide eyes that hungered for adventure but a body too small to take him there.

Dark had never liked thinking about how big Illinois had gotten. It reminded him that Illinois would walk out of his life and become his own person. It’s just . . . it had all been so wonderful while it lasted.

Illinois looked over at Dark and smiled. “Hey, 아빠[3].”

“Illinois,” Dark answered, trying to keep Damien quiet and invisible. Dark had to keep his hands to himself and his feelings out of the way. This was all for Illinois. He took a second to take a deep breath and schooled his features. “I’ll have your portion of the city ready for when you get back.”

“What?” Illinois asked, mostly in confusion.

But then the music began and Dark was offering his elbow. Illinois took it and promised himself that when he could pull Dark away again they’d talk. He didn’t like the tone Dark had taken when he’d said that.

Illinois and Dark stepped in time to the music and all too soon he saw Eric, his hands gripping onto Randall’s arm. He almost tripped when his eyes met Illinois’s.

Then all too soon, they were within arms reach. Illinois reached out to take Eric’s arm and they walked up. To Illinois, Eric looked like an angel he’d somehow snagged out of the sky and convinced to stay with him.

They walked down the aisle and Illinois kept the pace slow so that Eric wouldn’t have a single problem walking down the aisle. Dark and Randall followed them up.

Everything was going perfectly.

Illinois and Eric were looking at each other and Jackie opened his mouth to start the ceremony, when someone else walked down the aisle.

“I’m here!” Someone in a red tux announced. A smile as sharp as glass. “Shame on you, Damien, I almost missed the whole thing.”

Everyone immediately looked at the Actor, Dark got in front of Illinois as the young man was trying to push Eric towards Jackie.

“Get out,” Dark snarled in a furious growl.

“You’d done your job, step aside,” Actor snapped out a dark mass of aura and batted Dark to the side, the Entity slamming into the organ and let out a pained cough.

“아빠!”[3] Illinois called out. Yancy, who was closer, immediately raced to Dark’s side but the Entity shoved him away from both him and the Actor.

“I will admit,” Marc smiled as he waltzed down the aisle, “I didn’t recognize you at first. That’s my bad. But I did try and talk to you, and it’s quite an oversight not to personally invite me.”

Dark pushed himself back up to a kneeling position, his ringing shrill and aura coiling around.

“I didn’t invite you because you’re a piece of shit and you just attacked my dad, so fuck off,” Illinois snarled. He started trying to move over to Dark but the Actor slid into his path.

“Not possible,” Actor smiled, gesturing to himself. “Daddy’s here now and we don’t need . . .”

Actor glared back at Dark, “. . . to be worried about extraneous characters.”

“Get the hell out of here, I don’t want you anywhere near my family,” Illinois snarled.

“Oh, junior,” Marc smiled. “I’m trying to help you. Think of it: father and son. We’d take the world by storm.”

Illinois felt fury, thinking off all the foster homes and awful situations he’d been in, “Even if you were, you can fuck right the fuck off!”

Behind the Actor, Ranboo was trying to inch closer to Dark. He’d been sitting with the rest of the heroes. But he was trying to quietly summon up a portal to get Dark away from the Actor but when he inched too close the Actor spun around and slammed his aura into the young teen, knocking him back.

“If I wanted to take on the peanut gallery, I would have called you up,” Actor snapped.

“Enderwalk!” Virgil called out and raced over to him as the teen slammed against the wall of the gazebo and let out a grunt of pain. Immediately the room seemed to snap out of whatever haze they were in and moved as Marc moved to attack Ranboo again. Tubbo was already the closest.

Ranboo braced for the attack to hit but in the nick of time, there was a shattering of glass and Techno emerged from one of the eye portals. Shield and axe in hand he deflected the shot and blew a hole in the roof of the gazebo.

“I’m gonna have to stop you right there,” Techno smiled. “Come on, kid, I saw you using a weapon before, come on.”

“Boo,” Tubbo moved in as Phil and Marvin raced in.

“Anyone dead yet?” Marvin demanded.

“Bout time yeh showed up,”[4] Chase spat, pulled out his gun, a real one and aimed it at the Actor’s head.

Snarling in anger, the Actor exploded into black mist, making Chase miss his shot and nicked Illinois right in the face by accident.

Actor grabbed Dark and stabbed him with a dragged he pulled out of his black mist. “I don’t like being teased, Dames.”

With a slice, Dark screamed and the Actor pulled out a black day planner. “If you want something done right you should just do it yourself.”

Magic began to swirl around the Actor as bubbles began to form. They swelled in size and began to fill the room.

Bing began to visibly freak out and used his nanites to push Mini and Oliver away with his nanites, throwing them outside the gazebo just as a bubble expanded to snap up the rest of the androids.

In an instant the city rumbled and Dark . . .

. . . . . .

Dark woke up in bed.

He glared at the faintly glowing clock on the distant wall. It was barely a half-hour before he had to get up so there was no point in going back to sleep.

He smiled faintly when he heard Wilford snoring, the man splayed out to Dark’s left. The softer snores were from Chase who was cuddled up into Dark’s chest.

With a smile softening his features Dark decided: maybe he could sleep in a few more minutes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Post A/N: . . . Okay I lied big time.

Accessibility Translations:

1. looking

2. Just came from checking on the other groom. We’re just waiting for a final sweep of the area to make sure it’s alright

3. Dad. Informal, read phonetically as: Appa.

4. About time you showed up

#Superhero AU #Masks and Maladies #footnotes #eric derekson #illinois the adventurer #ahwm illinois #roman sanders #patton sanders #virgil sanders #Darkiplier #randall voorhees #actor Mark #Actor Mark is an absolute diva #Ranboo #Ranboo being brave #magic #Ericilly #weddings are great

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havetheavengersdoneanythingwrong · 3 years

Text

Act 2 — Il Dottore pt. 1

'Home,' and 'leadership.' A cowardly Master finds himself in a situation far larger than he could expect -- with only a moment's rest.

A doctor would be perfect, to get his mind off it.

—

“…Who are you?”

The young woman’s eyes stared into mine for a moment, before she took one step — then another, until she were facing us all.

As Ritsuka tried helping up Caster, Mash stepped in front of them preemptively — even though the lady held no weapons, being certain was impossible with all we’d seen.

Cursing myself under my breath for not preparing more casual dress for my allies in advance, I found myself forming a tale off the top of my head — as I jumped up in a moment, stepping in front of the woman to mildly obscure the less human aspects of Gorgon and such — after all, hiding that wasn’t exactly easy, but she couldn’t just enter spirit form now that she was spotted.

“We’re… cosplayers. We came from a Renaissance Fair not far from here, but we got a bit lost and our ride ditched us.”

“…My, what a story.” The woman closed an eye, tapping a finger to her cheek in thought.

“And yet, there hasn’t been any recent Renaissance Fairs about these parts, friend.”

…

…Sh—

“—He calls it that to sound cool. He’s never actually been to a ren’ fair, so we let him off easy. It was a small thing between us and a few other online mutuals, but well. Things went south pretty quick.”

…Thank god for Ritsuka. The other Master came in strong, having seemingly adjusted their form slightly — though I couldn’t quite tell what. Regardless, the orange-haired Master stepped forward beside me, fully blocking off the line of sight for Gorgon’s tail and allowing her to stand with the others. While I could only hope she’d make her tail look artificial too, it was a bit difficult to see how she’d do that.

Even so, the lady laughed softly, and extended a hand.

“Aren’t you both a curious group? My name is… Tessie. Tessie Quin — I’m just an actor around these parts. And you?”

‘…Quin.’ Didn’t that name seem..?

Regardless, I shook her hand carefully — and Ritsuka followed suit, after sparing a glance my way to ensure I wasn’t poisoned or something, probably.

“Nice to meet ya! I’m Ritsuka, and my buddy here is Cadence.”

“And the rest of you?”

“…We’ll, uh, introduce ourselves a bit later. They’re a little hammered, so they’re a little too dedicated to their roles right now.”

A glance from Ritsuka back to our other teammates was all they needed to keep quiet and act the part — Tlazolteotl silently directing the four, alongside Mash, to seem a little bit dazed to keep Ritsuka’s story intact.

“…What an odd brigade indeed. And you said you all were lost, right? In this forest?”

Tessie curiously inquired, after gazing over our group as though double-checking our alibis — raising a finger to the forest’s edges around us, that grew more thick, and harder to see through, especially in the night. Even the moon’s soft light did little to actually illuminate the area.

‘…I’m finding myself counting us lucky for landing in the outskirts.’

As I tried to ignore the hassle of Mash trying to tell Caster not to act hammered as well, I placed my hands into my pockets — so they could ball up, and relieve a bit of stress — and spoke.

“Yeah. We tried to take a shortcut home, but that went pretty bad pretty quick. It turns out a bunch of hammered cosplayers and a baker don’t excel in navigation.”

The lady nodded, though furrowing her brow after a moment.

“…Did you all simultaneously trip or something? When I saw you, all of you were on the ground.”

…Shit.

“—Well, again. A bunch of drunkards aren’t going to excel in balance, either. There was a tree root nearby that set the lot of them off balance.”

“…You seem sober enough.”

…Shit. (Again.)

And yet again, my fellow Master steps in to save my ass. Ritsuka laughed a bit at Quin’s words, leaning back a bit.

“This dude? He’d trip over an ant, let alone an obvious tree root. He’s a baker, but he’s horribly clumsy in the vast outdoors.”

…Quin paused for a moment in thought, before laughing a little bit.

“He certainly seems the type. My… You all really are an interesting group, huh?”

'...Do I really seem like a klutz?' I had to ask myself before preparing to respond -- but then again, I didn't exactly look like the type that could walk a tightrope.

"Something like that."

I finally managed to speak up, as Ritsuka took that as their cue to take the step back.

"As of now, we're looking for a place to stay and catch our bearings. Maybe see some sights here while we're at it."

Doing my best to follow the 'background' Ritsuka laid out, I took each moment in between these sentences to breathe. 'In, and out.'

It was all I could do. As something reached out, as though intent on returning its grasp to my neck as I tried to match Ritsuka's tale, I needed to breathe carefully to scare it off.

"I was thinking, since the lot of us are already here, that we take some time to enjoy it before we head back. Would you know where a hotel or something is?"

Tessie only raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms in thought. Her eyes turned upwards, closer to the sky -- as though the stars would spell out where to go.

"On this short notice? That is a lot to ask for."

"That's true, but we do still need to go somewhere. Even if we can find a free room in a ramshackle inn, or something..."

'Ramshackle? What kind of old man am I?'

As I internally chided myself, Tessie's gaze snapped back to the two of us -- and she'd uncross her arms to snap her fingers together.

"I've got it. Come with me, all of you -- I know a place."

An hour-long walk placed us on the outskirts of the city. Looking back, I could faintly see the forest we'd come into this Singularity in -- from afar, it certainly had looked rather large, taking up the vast majority of the southern end of this place.

The faint sound of blowing wind moving through the grass of the outskirts proved to be one of the only things that kept this place from utter silence -- despite the light polluting the environment, lighting up the innards of the city even from where we were, not a single sound could be heard.

Even so, however -- no matter how quiet the city was, or how 'normal' its greyish buildings and lamps looked from afar, there was one little caveat that was alerting us to something wrong.

To our left sat a hotel, suspended by chains.

"Here we are! We call it the Float Apartments, but they only have a couple rooms filled. I think you can rent out some of the rooms as you would a hotel."

Tessie's bright voice drew my attention for a moment, watching her point to the 'apartment' as though all were perfectly normal.

True to her words, the place was 'floating.' Despite the flat environment surrounding the city, there seemed to be a chunk of rock hovering impressively high above the ground. Even trying to look for some sleight of hand, something holding that chunk of land above the ground, nothing seemed to show itself -- not even so much as well-placed fishing wire to partially explain what was happening.

The apartment itself didn't hold much answers either. If one ignored its floating qualities, it did only look like a mildly ramshackle, two-story complex, more wide than long -- with off white walls, a tan flat roof, and silver chains placed on its sides to hold it up. While its entrance was at least accessible thanks to a slight hill leading up to its front doors, it seemed just as much hovering as the rock -- though one could assume the rock were holding up this hotel, that seemed about the only thing that could be answered.

And even if it could, one question still remained.

"...Why?"

It took a solid few moments to note that Ritsuka was already preparing themselves to enter -- with Tlazolteotl taking a spare few moments to record something in her notebook, eyeing Tessie carefully, before clamping it shut and following suit.

As for Tessie herself, in response to my question, only smiled.

"The King allowed for a lot more aesthetic design, as of late. Before he vanished, he bestowed upon our Capital some interesting properties!"

'...The King.'

It's not a name I was unfamiliar with -- although Ritsuka froze in the middle of their trip to the entrance, looking back at Tessie with an expression best called 'shock.'

"The what?"

"The King, don't you know? My, I suppose they don't talk much of them outside the province after all. They rule over Canada, and maintain peace."

Ritsuka furrowed their brow, but nodded and kept moving -- gesturing to me, and the others, to follow suit.

Knowing what little I knew about the King, it did explain a small bit -- monarchs in general were subject to strange decisions now and then, and they were no exception. With the magic I'd thus far seen, it hardly seemed out of the question to make that rock float.

With that explanation in mind, I slipped into the Apartments -- followed shortly after by the others.

'...It's familiar to me.'

'As the resident Caster, it only makes sense I would know that the floating rock is magic.'

The Caster of Rakugo followed in the steps of Gorgon, passively whispering prayers and spells of 'alteration' to cast an illusion over her tail. To make it seem as though slightly jointed -- while hardly obvious, just the littlest of hinges would make the tail seem far less biological in nature.

Yet, his mind remained on the floating rock. Even a 'king,' surely, wouldn't waste their time empowering a specific rock to float.

...But at the same time, didn't that also make sense? Kings were foolish people -- they weren't dissimilar to lords of the land he knew, both in stories and in his own life. Acts of power, even beneficial ones, were often done just for the hell of it. To send a message.

...He couldn't shake the feeling the magic was familiar to him.

The inside of the hotel was remarkable in how unremarkable it was -- especially when it was all too easy to hear the creaking of the chains from the inside. Simple, if dated wooden flooring, with off-white walls and wooden baseboards stained to a slightly dark brown. As I took further steps in, weak wall-mounted lamps illuminated the shopkeep -- a golden-eyed, golden-haired man with a wide smile on his face, waving to us as we walked in.

"Why hello there! It's rare we see someone come in unless they have to, let alone... so many of you."

The receptionist's calm voice was almost enough to steady my nerves -- most likely, he was already well aware of the atmosphere the hotel set for itself, though his best attempts weren't quite enough to shake the awful feelings the literal chains creaking were putting in place.

A glance to my right saw Ritsuka shoot forward just as Morgan furrowed her brow and began to walk to the man -- taking over before the queen even had a chance to say anything.

"Well, times are a little rough. We got pretty lost on our way back from a friendly mini-Renaissance fair, and the fact a fair few of us aren't quite sober isn't helping. Me and my buddy are about the only ones who stayed above the table, but..."

As Morgan breathed out softly -- with Kagekiyo elbowing her gently -- the queen stepped back a bit.

The receptionist nodded after mulling over Ritsuka's tale for a moment, sliding to a small outdated computer monitor -- likely to start logging rooms for us to borrow.

"Well, don't worry too much about it. I'm just gonna assume you're dead broke, right?"

Ritsuka paused for a moment, but then relaxed their shoulders and continued.

"Yeah, just about. Unless you'd count a couple yen."

...Ritsuka sputtered, after a moment.

"--I'd forgot to exchange that for canadian money."

'Nice save, buddy.'

The receptionist didn't seem too bothered, laughing it off before making a few last clicks -- and, rummaging under the table, passed myself and Ritsuka a key, and attempted to hand a key to the others as well - before being met with a collective 'I'll pass.'

...Save Caster, who was for all intents and purposes a minor, and one could only assume the receptionist wasn't keen on having the little guy hold up a room.

"...Only two rooms? You have, what, eight people? Can you..?"

Ritsuka interrupted the receptionist with what could best be described as 'the cheekiest wink ever conceived by man,' before taking a step back. The receptionist, while briefly caught off guard, responded in tune with a wide grin - and, sending an equally cheeky wink my way, pointed down the left wing of the apartment.

"Your room should be that way, friend. It's got some extra room, comparatively."

...I could only whisper out a flustered 'thank you' before slipping off into the hallway, only catching the receptionist escorting Ritsuka into the rightmost wind before I came across my door.

'...Room 103.'

...I breathed out, and opened the door.

A car speeds down the Carcosan highways.

An ambulance, without its hazards on.

One could hear the equipment moving about, sliding about what one could presume to be closed cabinets, if they were to listen closely as it shot past them.

In its driver's seat --

A man, clad in black -- a large, flowing cape with a black exterior and purple interior. Remarkably poofy black sleeves, and a baggy black button-up shirt. Even their pants, boots, the feathered cap they wore -- all were completely black. Their hair, forced into the massive hat, wasn't visible at all.

And their mask -- black, covering the upper half of their face, a mustache attached to the bottom of the mask's 'nose.' The only highlights, of course, were rosy-red paint on its 'cheeks.'

A doctor by trade. A doctor they were -- on the case to find someone who they knew needed their help.

Their locket bounced on their chest, as they ran over a speed bump. Sparing a glance behind them, the doctor would smile -- looking over their tools of the trade.

Scalpel? Check.

Basic Medicine Cabinet? Check.

Tourniquet material? Check.

Wrench? Check.

Certainly -- they would help them now.

The room was, yet again, remarkably unremarkable.

The floorboards creaked as I stepped on them, the sound of the chains thankfully more distant than before.

In the moonlight, only a shoddy desk lamp and the worn room light could illuminate this temporary home -- a warm, yellow glow illuminating just enough to at least see what needed to be seen, even if the corners of the room still remained dark.

'...It's almost nostalgic.'

As 'edgy' as it sounded, it felt more homely than the Chaldea base. The poor lighting, the soft moonlight, and the creaking of the floorboards reminded me of my old home in Toronto.

A bit cheap, certainly -- but it was home.

Though, there was one major difference, now.

"...Husband."

A commandeering voice, coming from the door, but one that didn't wait for a response.

The door opened quickly, revealing a familiar white-haired woman in a black-and-blue dress. She made some haste in settling herself on the first of two beds -- the one closest to the window, of course -- sitting down and staring me down with those ever-chilling blue eyes.

"...Tlazolteotl has asked the others to do something for her."

After a moment passed, I nodded, taking a seat beside her on this bed -- though her gaze didn't move at all from me.

"Did you get out of it, or something?"

At that, Morgan chuckled slightly -- adjusting herself to better face me, closing her eyes for a moment as though in thought.

"A ruler needs her spare time, husband. If I am to rule England, the first mistake is overworking oneself."

...Biting my tongue as to not note that she hadn't done much in the singularity yet, I instead moved on.

"...And you're spending the time cooped up here?"

"Someone should stay with you, no? You hardly keep well when you're alone for too long."

'...Did she have to be so blunt?' Even with that, I laughed a bit to clear my nerves, my hands locking together, fidgeting with my thumbs.

"...I suppose so. Even so, isn't t-"

"--Silence. You wouldn't question the acts of a perfect ruler, would you?"

...I'd nod, breathing a sigh out. Those words of hers never ceased to be truly blunt -- rarely ever focused on anything apart from the inevitable rule of Britain.

Even so, to say that was the only motive was...

...

"...Morgan?"

"What do you need of me? Have you finally worked up the courage to allow me to call you 'H--"

"--Not quite!"

Cutting her off at speeds that shocked even myself, I'd forced myself to continue before she could think up anything else that I'd need to prepare my heart for.

"...How would I help you rule Britain?"

...I couldn't help but be curious -- to ask, with the two of us alone.

"...I ask genuinely, Morgan. I'm... not a hero, nor am I a ruler."

...The ruler raised an eyebrow -- but still, she paused. To give a decent answer.

...Even so, after a moment, she'd furrow her brow -- reaching an arm around me...

...And pulling me onto my side, before I could even react, my head falling into her lap. The Queen only smirked as I tried to process this momentary act -- her gaze remaining, down upon me like a laser beam piercing through my eyes, into somewhere deeper.

"...Don't think about those things, Husband."

...

"My actions are all for the rule of Britain. Such things come before all else. A hero, a ruler, cannot by themselves understand their subjects."

...I blinked, trying for a moment longer to try and figure out just what she was implying -- but she spoke up yet again, as though timed to derail my thoughts.

"...A ruler mustn't overwork themselves, and they cannot always be alone. I choose those who I prefer, to be near me, so I may rule more properly. It need not be more complex than that."

...I breathed a sigh out, once more. It only seemed ever clearer to me that a straight answer from a Berserker wouldn't be possible to begin with.

"...Rest, husband."

"Shouldn't you be the one resting, in that case?"

"...A ruler, even while taking a break, should not shirk what duties they have. It is relaxing enough to be here."

...The Berserker smiled, after a moment -- and, giving up the fight, I'd simply nod my thanks, and close my eyes, just for a moment.

'...How would I help you rule Britain?'

A curious question indeed. The Berserker furrowed her brow, running a hand through her Master's hair.

Certainly, on paper, a mere 'person' like Cadence would make for a very poor king. Cowardly, reserved, unwilling to take risks -- paranoid, and easy to get worried.

And yet...

"...Set aside your differences. Don't you dare cause any fights right now, and... Don't let him worry about the small stuff."

...The words of the Mesoamerican goddess troubled Morgan greatly. This man, one she was willing to rule with, was now being prevented from hearing what matters a ruler should know. She had to allow Cadence to forget the worries that should come with being a king -- she had to let him rest.

"If all goes well, we can discuss all of these things after the Singularity. But not before."

...She supposed the Carcosan Singularity was an obstacle to her rule, regardless. Reasoning with herself, the Madness that gripped her mind, she came to the 'natural' conclusion -- that this was a kingly duty, and one she had to aid.

...

...She kept her gaze on him -- not letting up, save only to blink.

As though he'd disappear if she looked away.

My eyes slowly opened to the sound of sirens -- as someone's hand gently shook my arm to awake me.

"Husband. Tlazolteotl is calling your name."

"...Huh?"

After a moment, I slowly lifted my head off of Morgan's lap, standing up and pinching my cheek momentarily to try and get myself ready.

"CADENCE! QUICKLY!"

The familiar voice of Tlaz, however, proved to be what spurred my mind to move -- as Morgan opened the door, glancing behind her as to not trip on anything, I ran out, and turned left--

--directly into a masked man clad in black, who quickly took hold of my hood, and began running, dropping some sort of mask on the way out.

"Who-- Who are you?!"

"A roaming doctor, child! And I had heard pray tell of an injured man this way! Falling in a forest is a prime indicator of a stressed mind!"

Footsteps could be heard behind me -- with a spare glance back, before the man forcibly pulled me, it seemed to be Morgan.

"--Come back here, you damned..!"

--Yet, the doctor forcibly held me up behind him, now running backwards, as they entered the lobby. Without the receptionist that was there prior --

--The doctor forced himself out the door, with Morgan hot on the trail, yet she found herself caught in a moment's time.

By a knife, suddenly before her -- that she only just managed to avoid.

"...Is that..?!"

With every step forward, another knife she only barely dodged -- setting her on her heels, backpedalling to regain her balance.

Despite her gaze being locked on the doctor, despite every step she took forward, it seemed -- just as suddenly -- like her body began to force itself to avoid that blade, that materialized in the air, and dematerialized just as quickly.

In my helpless state, stuck watching the ruler be caught in a loop of avoiding the same blade, I found the tunnel vision obscured the ambulance doors that now shut in front of me.

...

...The lights turned on.

Around me -- motor oil, gears, pistons. Motors connected to various power sources -- even weapons, attached to mechanical structures that hardly made sense even to me.

In a moment, before I could even comprehend what I was thrown onto, clasps on the ambulance's 'bed' locked me in -- and judging from the sudden speed increase I could feel, the ambulance was already well on its way.

As I blinked to try and get a hold of my surroundings, the masked man that took me finally came into view -- my peripherals returning, despite the adrenaline still running through me.

"Good, good! The hardest part is handled. Now, dear patient, you do understand that stress takes a toll on the mind, right?"

Even as he spoke, I tried to pull against the restraints -- but, of course, no dice.

"I'll take that resistance as a 'no.' You should know that if your brain is stationary too long, stress begins to build. That, truly, does not bode well for you."

...Another pull against the restraints -- but I froze, momentarily, as he spoke. 'What the hell is he talking about..?'

"Now, dear patient, I have to check for indicators of stress in the brain. I've done this before, rest assured!"

The man walked to my left -- his hands rummaging through what sounded like a duffle bag.

"All I had to do was go into my patient's skull and find the parts of the brain that were stressed -- and deal with them."

...The man turned around, holding two splintered wooden stakes, as though ripped straight from fresh lumber.

"Of course, the pros -- unwilling to accept the fact that you should 'rest your brain,' or cut off the stress in your life -- voided my medical license! But it hardly matters now, does it? After all, I did get a medical license, so who cares if I lost it?"

'What does he..?'

The man stepped to his right, and procured some sort of metal slab -- crafted into something akin to a cut sphere, as though a third of it had been cut out -- and wire had been placed at its end, running downwards.

"Now, rest assured, patient -- I'll be making sure you must only do this once. Because I have a permanent solution to stress, and it beats simply resting your mind and returning it after."

...Something gripped my throat, at that moment -- siphoning my breath from my lungs.

The man smiled, positioning a stake in each hand -- and stepping forward, leaning over me from the right.

"Keep your eyes open, dear patient. Hurts less that way."

The man laughed a moment, as though just preparing a filling, positioning the stakes --

I'm finding myself unable to breathe, all of a sudden. Those wooden things, suddenly above me -- their sharp, splintered edges lowering themselves down...

The cold, sharp hands tear at my spine, my lungs. I shudder, unable to move -- a clasp around my neck secures my head in place.

The man in the mask smiles.

"The brain is ultimately just a biological computer. A very fragile one, however - weak to age, disease, and stress alike. It needs breaks. But it is still a computer."

Another clamp. My eyelids are forced back. My breath quickens, but I'm getting no air.

The hold of the beast is tearing holes in my lungs. I breathe, and it isn't enough.

I can't even speak -- not enough to use the Command Spells. And as the knife had stopped even the Queen, surely...

"A computer can be replicated if you know enough about computers. A perfect computer, that isn't harmed by stress nor by misery. You can simply remove those feelings."

He takes a moment, glancing from the 'brain' to me.

"No matter what, if the data is copied properly, you will believe you are 'you' -- even if your brain is fake."

...He leans over me, smiling. In a moment, he stared deep into my pupils --

"Isn't technology amazing?"

--and the stakes suddenly fall.

#fgo #mastersona #gudasona #l o r e #cadenceloreposting #tw: medical shit #tw: eye trauma #columbina #il dottore #ae of rakugo #caster of rakugo

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bumbershots · 3 years

Text

A CERTAIN ROMANCE

CHAPTER ONE: JUEVES

Author’s note: Hello! I’ve decided to give it a go, this is my first chaptered fic in this website. This story just occurred to me a while ago and I’ve tried my best to make some sense out of the concept which honestly is forever changing on my mind. I hope you don’t find many grammar mistakes, if you do please let me know. Enjoy! (:

Story masterlist ** Word count: 2.3K **

It's been years since Harry last had to use the tube, but it's not as hard as he thinks, buying the ticket was fairly simple and soon enough he was sitting on the train comfortably. The northern line wasn't too busy, no delays were announced through the speakers, his journey to Ladbroke Grove station was going to last around thirty six minutes. He suddenly can't remember how long the ride would be on a car. Maybe it's time to start using the London Underground a bit more, contributing to saving the planet, lessen his carbon footprint. With all the aeroplanes he takes a year, he should use it from now onto the rest of his life, he thinks with a bit of guilt.

He changes to the Hammersmith and city line with ease, passing by lots of people, no one truly pays attention to him. The school girls that would usually come up to him and ask for a picture are too busy gossiping among themselves, the grown up adults that are more fond of his solo work are too immersed into their own thoughts about annoying bosses. Harry likes to blend into the crowd that's gathered now at the station and awaits for the train. In the eyes of the others, he's just another guy patiently waiting for the train to hop on and get to his destination. Even though he was on his way to meet with the team that will take care of his house renovation, a property valued approximately on £4.175 million.

The train arrives and he follows the multitude that pile into the wagon, he isn't lucky to find a seat this time but doesn't mind as he finds a good spot to lean against, the doors close just as he skips the ABBA song he doesn't feel like listening at the moment and settles for Hanson instead. He bops his head along the tune before slipping back the mobile in his pocket, eyes traveling along the passengers' faces, trying to guess what they're up to.

A group of lads wearing the Tottenham jersey discuss the latest game, one of them praising Kane's goal and regretting him missing the next match. Harry knows a thing or two about football, he even plays it regularly with his friends not so far away from his home, but he doesn't keep up with Manchester United, perhaps he can do that from now on he thinks before letting his gaze fall upon the pack getting down on Baker Street and the few ones hopping on. Most of them are tourists chatting about the Sherlock Holmes museum, the singer smiles, remembering the first time he visited it with his family, many years ago. Sometimes he longs for those days to be back, so he can do the typical touristy things with the people he loves the most once in a while or have a date without a good amount of lenses focused on his every move.

Not that he regrets being a well known musician, actor, model. It comes with a lot of perks. But he's just moving on from a breakup that might have been his fault. He's a workaholic for sure, even though he's supposed to be taking it easy, his mind can't help but keep throwing song ideas for the next album. That is why Jeff suggested the home renovation, knowing that the project will keep him busy for about three months, maybe more if the contractors up sell their ideas.

Harry makes his way out of the station in one piece and without being spotted, he checks the address again on his phone, confirming the place where the meeting will be held is within walking distance and makes his way before choosing a Pink Floyd song for the six minute walk. He pulls his coat tighter around him, relishing in the forever changing weather of the city, this time he will stay and enjoy it in full, maybe even delight in the autumn too, have his mum over for a couple of weeks, maybe he'll even stay longer and take her to the ice rink.

Just as Harry plots on where to go when his favourite person pays him a visit, he reaches the private front garden off a beautiful car-free garden square. He remembers to text Jack, who doesn't take long to appear in the distance and unlock the gate for his friend.

"You're impossibly early mate," the man greets with an amused chuckle.

"Sorry, had to take the tube because of what you said about car-free development, probably miscalculated the time." Harry admits sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck as Jack leads the way through the garden. "Is this where they filmed Notting Hill?" He wonders with another look around.

"Couple of scenes that didn't make the cut, our neighbour Mrs. Black will tell you all about it, if you happen to run into her around Hugh Grant's birthday." Harry laughs as they reach a private entrance with a well-maintained front garden adorning the forepart of the property, he follows Jack inside the home where a strong coffee scent greets them both.

The musician quickly scans the large open plan kitchen/reception room with large glass sliding patio doors to a delightful independent garden where a round table is surrounded by four mismatching chairs. He doesn't remember Jack's old place, but it certainly didn't look as the dream home they're standing in right now.

"Thanks for agreeing to do the meeting here mate," Harry's words are sincere his companion can tell, he tries to shove it off as if it's nothing, handing him the mug with coffee while he pours another one for himself, "I know it can be a handful, the NDAs too." Now he's almost blushing.

"We should be thanking you H, work from home for the next couple of months, my dream come true." Jack manages to make him laugh and feel at ease again, just before the steps of a third party come from the stairs and grow closer towards them. "Just in time, Harry this is Fernando Gonzalez, my housemate and architect of the team." He introduces the tall man to his friend and watches them shake each other's hand, "Fernando this is our client, Harry Styles."

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you Mr. Styles," his voice is soft and melodic, like an aerophone instrument.

"Please call me H, all my friends do," the musician knows this is business, but he wants to have fun too, like Jeff suggested. And the guy looks way too young to be calling him Mister Styles.

"I warned you Fer, he likes to keep it easy, breezy." Jack says motioning both of them to follow his lead and sit down in their dining table that is covered with house design magazines, floor plans of Harry's home and a couple of what the pop star assumes are sketch notebooks. "Alright, tell us about your vision for this project." In all honesty, Harry doesn't know how to answer that.

He fights the urge to say that he had purchased the property knowing that not much is needed to be done to the décor. The style and the flow of the house is already lovely. After a quick glance at the plan he thinks that maybe, more room is needed and, most importantly, a new kitchen-dining-living space that would be grand enough to entertain in, but cosy enough to be the central 'hub' of his home.

"The windows, for starters, have to be replaced." He begins with a tone so confident that the pair before him don't suspect he's improvising the whole thing. "New bathrooms, perhaps from Lusso Stone, demolish an existing rear extension from the top and design and build an entirely new expansive ultra-modern one, like the one at Lou's home." Jack nods understanding what he means, "I also want a kitchen diner extension, pink granite worktops, if possible." Harry finishes before grabbing one of the magazines and starts flipping pages just to look busy.

The whole project can take six months, they let him know, through the summer and autumn. He's elated at achieving double the time he hoped for in the beginning.

"We'll send the paperwork to your team and see you next week to sign it once they approve it," Jack concludes the meeting as they all finish their coffee. "Are you busy on the nineteenth?" His friend's voice is warmer now that he's not on business mode, it makes Harry smile.

"I don't think I am, why?"

"It's Freddie's birthday, you should come, catch up with the lads," Harry nods while thinking about it, a bit unsure because it has been a while since he's seen the rest of the pack, he's not sure they'll welcome him just like that. "They're always asking about you, could be like old times, lads doing laddy stuff," the green eyed musician chuckles at that, not sure if he wants to go back to those activities of their youth.

"Sure I'll go, text me the address a few days before," his friend nods in approval to his request, "I better get going, I have to pick up my sister for dinner, see you both next week." The youngest nods and shakes Harry's hand before Jack leads the way out the house and square. The sun is setting now and the sky is a mix of pink and purple hues just as the two men bid their goodbyes until they meet again in a week's time.

Harry scolds himself for buying a one way ticket earlier instead of sorting out an Oyster card, he'll do that next time, he thinks before stepping into the train and finding a seat in the middle section of it. Led Zeppelin is a good soundtrack for his journey back home, for some reason he is craving the powerful, noisy, speedy rebellion that came with the band's songs, he loved to get so lost in the music that whatever activity he did came in second, every single time. Which is why he almost didn't get off at the King's cross stop, he hurried out of the vehicle, laughing to himself for being so immersed into the music.

The way back to the northern line was now familiar, but not as busy, he decided not to walk too fast after confirming that he had enough time to go home and take a shower before going over to Gemma's. Waiting at the platform he decides to change his playlist, again. Just as he's about to settle for Wings, out of the corner of his eye he spies what the person next to him is listening to and he stops from hitting play on his own device.

The who.

It's been ages since he heard them, three years if he is being honest. The train arrives and the girl next to him puts her phone in her coat pocket as she prepares to board the wagon, Harry does the same, but instead of training his eyes on the descending passengers, he lets them focus on her. She's wearing a nice burgundy coat, a black newsboy cap, high-waisted jeans with a blue polka dot blouse tucked underneath them. She's much shorter than he is, probably about Helene's height, he thinks as they make their way inside.

Without meaning to, he follows her and leans on the wall, across from her. She doesn't seem to notice how his stare is burning holes into her face, he's itching to ask her where did she buy the red boots she's wearing. Harry knows the moment he speaks to her, it will all go to shit. Some of the school girls sitting nearby might recognise his voice, his dimple could pop out to play and give him away too. She might also think he's a creep and kick him in the shin, leaving a nasty bruise that would heal in about a week, unlike the invisible one in his ego.

"Are you telling me, you developed a ten feet tall crush on someone you saw on the tube?" Gemma asks later that night, her fork full of linguine was stopped mid-air, making her brother roll his eyes but nod bashfully. "I'm speechless." The fork resumes its trajectory and she chews her pasta slowly.

"It happens to everyone, only because you both know that there's almost no chance to see each other again." Harry shrugs and bites a piece of bread, still feeling weird about the situation.

"Did she make eyes at you?"

"What?" He's completely taken off guard by his sister's question, his northern accent coming out and making him drop the 't' at the end.

"Yes, did you flirt with each other making eyes," Gemma's eyelashes flutter as if she was a Disney princess meeting her love interest for the first time, Harry shakes his head in denial, "what was it then?"

"I don't know! It was weird, couldn't take my eyes off of her but... she didn't even notice, I sound like a dirty man," he does, his sister agrees but the pink spots on his cheekbones tell a different story.

"I once had a crush like that, with a cashier at Waitrose," she remembers before sipping her wine, "he was nice to look at, one day he wasn't there anymore, just like that." Gemma sighed and took her younger sibling's hand on hers before adding. "If our lives were a Nicholas Sparks novel, perhaps we would be getting ready to have a date with those lovely people but..." Harry laughed and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"How's the sunnies collaboration going?" He asked before taking the last of his gnocchi. Listening to his sister talk about things that she enjoyed was the highlight of his days, he managed to push his silly underground crush to the back of his mind.

But there was the truth of what Harry couldn't see, or say. He'd probably like to have a shot with a girl like that and if Gemma could only see her, she would agree. Agree that there might be a story around there.

///

Let me know if you like the story! *** Join the taglist!

///

Next chapter

#harry styles #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles oc #harry styles series #harry styles fan fic #harry styles ou #harry styles imagine #a certain romance

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potahun · 4 years

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Personal top 5 in Wo Men De Ge / Our Songs, Season 1

After finishing all 12 eps of the 1st season of “Wo Men De Ge” / “Our Songs”, I am listing my personal top 5 pairs of “Young Singer x Old but Gold Singer” teams in the show, mostly just to have an excuse to gush and recommend some of my favourite performances from this beautiful, beautiful music show.

5. Xiao Zhan x Na Ying (and Angela Chang) - Team: Na Zhan Dui

What I really liked about them: The fact that they challenged many styles! Perhaps it’s because Xiao Zhan is currently an actor and not specialised in any music type, but their performances were among the most diverse. They did rock, disco, old Chinese classics...Singing-wise, Xiao Zhan does nice switches to falsetto, Na Ying’s voice is broad and with its own feel, and Angela Chang who replaced NY for a few eps has such a special and beautiful voice ugh. But what I liked most about them is probably Na Ying herself. Her outspoken personality and sense rly got to me and she was my favourite “Model Singer” in Group B. She was also so open to accompanying XZ in trying new styles and to put an emphasis on performance (as in, the visual aspect of it) to help XZ out. I think for someone who’s not currently a singer, he got very lucky she was his partner.

What I found to be a pity: Xiao Zhan sings pretty nicely, but it’s true that when you have Ayanga and Zhou Shen next door, it’s pretty hard for his voice to stand out. A few times, I found myself feeling like Na Ying or Angela was carrying the song single-handedly and couldn’t rly notice his voice anymore. Angela’s voice especially stands out, so sometimes, it feels like what I remember most from Na Zhan Dui performances is Angela’s great voice and the visual effects. Also, maybe it’s because he has to manage his image a bit more than the other young artists, but Xiao Zhan did come across as quite nervous during the entire show, including during many of the performances. If you only watch him based on this show, he comes across as just a very polite young person (with a pleasant voice).

Favorite performance(s) from them:

Gen Zhe Gan Jue Zou / Going with the Feeling (not rly a performance but the song with which NY and XZ got “blindly” paired up, and somehow the song in which he was the most relaxed imo)

Jun Gang Zhi Ye / A Night at the Naval Port (classic lovely song. Imo it was the song in which their voices matched up most seamlessly)

4. Xiao Gui x Luo Qi - Team: Wang Zha

What I really liked about them: I knew neither of them before the show, but felt like this team truly tried to make a new sound each time and to mix modern elements into old songs (which fits perfectly with the show’s theme). Luo Qi is so open to Xiao Gui’s suggestions and so humble about trying things outside her comfort zone, even though she is the senior. They also had a really nice old sister-little brother relationship, full of mutual respect, and it was kind of refreshing to have the young artist be like ‘it’s ok, it’s ok’ and being the encouraging or optimistic one in the team. Among the younger artists, Xiao Gui is the only rapper, so being on this show could be pretty challenging but Luo Qi being so open to trying new things made it work. She really went outside her comfort zone, and I loved this team for it. They are also both really pleasant - mostly quiet but polite and comfortable. All-round lovely pair.

What I found to be a pity: In a way, because Luo Qi was so accommodating and humble, sometimes it felt like Xiao Gui might have overpushed her a bit? Perhaps he could have been a tad more considerate, but we don’t see much of their interactions and overall they do seem like they have a good relationship.

Favorite performance(s) from them: Hui Lai / Come Back (the way the rap got mixed into this song feels so very natural)

3. Ayanga x Fei Yuqing - Team: (God Xiao Ge team names are hard to remember) Yun Dan Feng Qing

What I really liked about them: Well of course, the voices and the singing technique. haha I did not know Ayanga before this show, but HOLY SHIT. Not a musical actor for nothing. HE CAN SING. And he can sing so many styles, too. He is GOOD. Watching them, I thought, shit, among all the young artists we saw, only he could have been paired up with a senior like Fei Yuqing (and perhaps Zhou Shen, but we’ll come to him later). Their voices are distinctive, but the style in which they sing have certain similarities, so they match quite well. Basically, this is a team based on talent, skills and experience. They only sing songs that sound like classics but holy fucking shit, I loved the way they sang them. Other than the singing - and this is not a team thing - but I was rly surprised to find out that Fei Yuqing was quite funny. Individually speaking, both he and Ayanga were entertaining while remaining ever so pleasant. They were real pleasures to watch.

What I found to be a pity: I thought there was a lack of team chemistry, which could be in part due to how they got paired up, but yeah, they just never really felt like a team, more like two very polite and courteous singers who decided to work together for a few performances. Also, I am absolutely not surprised by it, but I guess, since it’s the Fei Yuqing, both young artists were fully accommodating him and not the other way round. It is not a bad thing in FYQ’s case because his singing is beautifully amazing and hey its his last show anyway, but it would have been fun to see more sparks here and there.

Favorite performance(s) from them:

Juan Zhu Lian / Rolling up the Beaded Curtain (haha are you ready for pure skills to fuck you up? I liked Juan Zhu Lian before, but this version is incredible)

Xin Yuan Yang . Hu Die Meng / New Mandarin Duck. Butterfly Dream (again pure skills but also the harmonising. a+++)

2. Liu Yuning x Ren Xianqi - Team: Jie Tou Pai Dang

What I really liked about them: This team is one of the teams that felt the most like a team. They have similar past experiences and I liked that they had a chill older brother + reserved younger brother chemistry. I also liked that they both seem to be people who are passionate about different aspects of music (like singing yes, but also music arrangement overall). Ren Xianqi was so open to letting Liu Yuning express what he wanted / add in the elements he wanted to each performance, or have LYN’s band be in charge of re-arranging the songs. Before this show, all I knew from Ren Xianqi was his “Xin Tai Ruan”, but I found him so lovely and nice during the whole show! He only had kind praise for all the other artists, was positive throughout, and well, Group A only had lovely "Model Singers”, but RXQ stood out in this respect. He and Liu Yuning had such a comfortable dynamics and many of the songs they sang happen to be all-time favourites of mine so of course bonus points. Singing-wise, I love Liu Yuning’s voice. It’s not like he can hit super high notes or anything, but this guy rly gets the right feeling out of each song through his voice. All in all, I loved the team.

What I found to be a pity: Literally, the only thing I find to be a limiting factor for this team is Ren Xianqi’s voice aaaaa TT. It felt like he struggled a bit at times, and compared to other senior singers, his voice doesn’t have as much of a distinctive feel, which I thought was a pity... Some of his uh...moves during some of the performances also felt a bit old-fashioned, but I think I can live with that.

Favorite performance(s) from them:

Tian Ya (the song...the arrangement...the spirit...the LYN’s singing...)

Ai Jiang Shan Geng Ai Mei Ren (mainly because this song is one of my all-time favourites and you cant go wrong with it, but this is not my favorite rendition of it either)

1. Zhou Shen x Li Keqin - Team: Qin Shen Shen

What I really liked about them: EVERYTHING FUCK HAHA. ok so. I started this show with pretty even feelings for all the teams, but if one team really grabbed my heart from ep. 1 onwards and threw it into the fire pit, it’s these two. GOD Can I even talk about them neutrally?? Chemistry-wise...where did they even get all this chemistry? No one knows. On stage, I don’t know if I’ve heard two voices that match as well as theirs when they harmonise before, but if I did, I don’t remember. Zhou Shen’s voice is high and floating like some kind of ethereal mermaid’s, while Li Keqin’s voice is so stable, so warm it’s the perfect match. But the chemistry off-stage?? It’s even more incredible??? If Liu Yuning and Ren Xianqi are like a pair of older and younger brothers, what are Zhou Shen and Li Keqin? No one knows, and certainly not them. All the terms have been thrown in: match made in heaven, perfect match, a couple that separated and had a child (thanks LKQ) but also father and son, ‘someone who likes music’ (what?)....but basically, everyone on the show agrees that their chemistry is uncanny and it’s not stopping them from continuing with whatever they’re doing. This team basically has it all and they know it: Singing skills and technique? they both have it. Passion for singing? They both have it. Perfect chemistry? They have it. Stellar and complementary sense of comedy and humour? They have it. Theatrical smoke as their only visual effect on stage? They have it (jk). Every episode that they’re on, I am laughing and smiling from ears to ears and thanking the heavens that they got paired up. Why are they like this.

What I found to be a pity: The fact that I can’t buy an album from them as a duo? hahaha OK, perhaps just the fact that they stuck mostly with ballads (except for Ye Lang Disco) and so I would have loved to see more sparks from them. But this complaint is also very empty because it’s not like I didn’t thoroughly enjoy every single ballad they sang...haha haha....Ah, one thing I found to be a veeerrrry slight pity is that, as ZS himself says, he’s quite insecure. In contrast, LKQ is quite optimistic, so it makes for a lot of comedic clashes in this respect (annnnd it becomes a thing I like about them again). OK ok one thing is perhaps that ZS’s jokes can be a little bit borderline, but honestly, they receive each others’ jokes so well it becomes part of their charm and chemistry.........I guess I’m biased....ok....I'll shut up

Favorite performance(s) from them:

Tian Xia You Qing Ren / All the Lovers in the World (oh my God oh my God oh my God thank you Zhou Shen for choosing this song)

Ye Lang Disco / Wild Wolf Disco (?) (BECAUSE THIS IS Qin Shen Shen AT THEIR FINEST: ABSOLUTE DORKS WHO SLAY AT PERFORMING. Na Ying mentioned this as the inspiration for her and Xiao Zhan’s disco challenge, and that’s for a GOOD reason.)

Honestly I thought Zhou Hua Jian should be there somewhere, because I am a HUGE fan of Zhou Hua Jian songs, but I did feel like his performances were a bit...slapdash in this show haha. And Yi Qiao seems very nice but most of the time, I didn’t feel her presence as much, and it felt like I was enjoying the performance because no matter what, ZHJ’s voice is fucking good. I also found it to be a pity that he had to constantly remind the audience about points and voting - in the beginning it was funny, but by the end it felt a little repetitive - and that some of his comments could be a little bit borderline and clumsy. So not in the top 5, but his team’s performance of “Qi Shi Bu Xiang Zou / In truth, I don’t want to leave” did make me cry. A lot.

Anyways, overall, I rate this show 10 / 10 and would encourage anyone who likes music to watch it! I know many people who watched the show are international Xiao Zhan fans, well, if so, you’ll see a lot of him at least! (and your attention might get snatched by some others if you’re not careful)

#wo men de ge #xiao zhan #na ying #zhou shen #li keqin #zhou hua jian #fei yuqing #ayanga #wang linkai #luo qi #liu yuning #ren xianqi #our songs #long post

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twentiethcenturymoviesandtv · 4 years

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12 Angry Men: The Story

At first, the story of 12 Angry Men seems straightforward, to-the-point, and pretty darn boring.

A jury consisting of twelve men (most of them middle class, middle age, and white) are locked into a jury room on a stiflingly hot day to determine the fate of a boy (lower class, young, and Puerto Rican) who allegedly stabbed his father to death with a switchblade knife. Once locked into the room, eleven out of twelve decide instantly that the boy is guilty, but one, Juror #8, (Henry Fonda) isn’t so certain. The film then follows Juror #8’s attempts to go through the information presented in court in order to figure out what really happened.

Like I said, it could be considered boring, if that’s all you consider. But as it turns out, just like the case in the film there’s a bit more to it than what appears on the surface. Let’s take a look.

12 Angry Men opens with one of two sequences that do not take place within the jury room. A camera pans over the outside of the Manhattan’s Court of General Sessions, meandering through corridors and staircases, before making its way to our destination: room 228. There, a tired sounding judge orders the beginning of the jury deliberation process after a six-day-long trial, “a long and complex case of murder in the first degree”. He sends our jury off with these final, sobering words:

“If there’s a reasonable doubt in your minds as to the guilt of the accused, a reasonable doubt, then you must bring me a verdict of not guilty. If however, there is no reasonable doubt, then you must in good conscience find the accused guilty. However you decide, your verdict must be unanimous. In the event that you find the accused guilty, the bench will not entertain a recommendation for mercy. The death sentence is mandatory in this case. You are faced with a grave responsibility. Thank you, gentlemen.”

It is now that the audience, for the first and only time, gets a look at the defendant: a wide-eyed, terrified looking Puerto Rican boy from the slums, who helplessly watches the jury march off to decide his fate.

The jury (and camera) moves to the jury room, where we will spend almost the entire rest of the film. It is the hottest day of the year, and the men are clearly already agitated, removing jackets, lighting cigarettes, and complaining. The door behind them is locked, and the twelve men talk amongst themselves for a few moments. Notably, Juror #3 remarks that this is an open-and-shut case, Juror #7 is anxious to leave to get to a baseball game he has tickets for, and Juror #10 has this to say:

“It’s pretty tough to figure, isn’t it? A kid kills his father. Bing! Just like that…It’s the element…I’m telling ya, they let those kids run wild up there. Well, maybe it serves ‘em right.”

Meanwhile, Juror #8 stands at the window, saying nothing.

Juror #1 calls for a preliminary vote, and the men take their seats (arranged by number) around the table. Juror #1 calls for those who vote not guilty, and, some (Jurors #1, 3, 4, 7, and 12) quickly raise their hands, while Jurors #2, 5, 6, 11 and 9 do so more slowly. One lone man raises his hand for not-guilty: Juror #8.

Interestingly, Juror #8 is not fully convinced that the boy on trial is innocent, unlike many instances of the Rogue Juror used afterwards. What he is convinced of is that this is a serious case, with a serious charge, with a grim penalty. He calls for a discussion, going over the evidence. Juror #3 disagrees:

“The kid’s a dangerous killer, you could see it…He stabbed his own father, four inches into the chest. They proved it a dozen different ways in court, would you like me to list them for ya?”

Juror #8 is not dissuaded, and calmly replies:

“It’s not easy to raise my hand and send a boy off to die without talking about it first…We’re talking about somebody’s life here. We can’t decide in five minutes. Supposin’ we’re wrong.”

Juror #7 is unmoved, claiming his opinion won’t change, no matter how long they talk. Despite the resistance, Juror #8 moves on with his discussion, pointing out the defendant’s upbringing and background.

“Look, this kid’s been kicked around all of his life. You know, born in a slum. Mother dead since he was nine. He lived for a year and a half in an orphanage when his father was serving a jail term for forgery. That’s not a very happy beginning. He’s a wild, angry kid, and that’s all he’s ever been. And you know why, because he’s been hit on the head by somebody once a day, every day. He’s had a pretty miserable eighteen years. I just think we owe him a few words, that’s all.”

Juror #10 argues:

“I don’t mind telling you this, mister. We don’t owe him a thing. He got a fair trial, didn’t he? What do you think that trial cost? He’s lucky he got it. You know what I mean? Now look, we’re all grown-ups in here. We heard the facts, didn’t we? You’re not gonna tell me that we’re supposed to believe this kid, knowing what he is. Listen, I’ve lived among them all my life. You can’t believe a word they say. You know that. I mean, they’re born liars.”

Another voice enters the scene, Juror #9, with a biting reply:

“Only an ignorant man can believe that…Do you think you were born with a monopoly on the truth?”

Within only a few moments, already we’ve established quite a lot. The belligerence of Jurors #3 and #10, as well as their bias, Juror #8’s thoughtful, honest nature, and Juror #9’s reasonableness and willingness to stand up for people. Add to that Juror #7’s impatience to leave, and you’ve already got a bit of character to go on to understand what’s going on. As the film progresses, the case unfolds, and we learn more about it, as well as learning more about the characters within, making the plot, although it never leaves the jury room, feel like it is moving.

Juror #12 suggests that they go around the table, giving each juror a chance to explain his standpoint in an effort to convince #8 of the defendant’s guilt. One by one, the jurors bring up their evidence, and to each, Juror #8 has questions that render the arguments a little more doubtful than they would seem to be on the surface.

Juror #2 doesn’t really have any evidence to bring, meekly stating that he thought he was guilty, it seemed obvious. No one can prove that he didn’t do it, after all. Juror #3, however, has more to say on the subject, citing an eyewitness testimony of an old man who lived in the apartment below where the killing took place. According to the witness, he heard a fight, and the voice of the boy crying out: “I’m gonna kill you!” and the sound of a body hitting the floor. The old man ran to the door in time to see the boy run down the stairs. Furthermore, the boy’s alibi (being at the movies) seems flimsy, as he was not able to remember the names of the films he saw, or any of the actors in them. On top of that, there is another eyewitness testimony: a woman in the building across from them saw it happen through the passing cars of an el-train that ran between the buildings. These, Juror #3 declares, are facts.

Other jurors give their reasons, or lack thereof: Juror 5 doesn’t comment, Juror #6 thinks the motive is evidence, and Juror #7 brings up the boy’s violent history, including knife-fighting.

This sparks something for Juror #3, who cites his history with his own son, explaining that kids these days don’t have any respect. He tells a story about how, when his son was nine years old, he ran away from a fight, humiliating Juror #3. He resolved to ‘make a man’ out of his son, and according to him, he did. When his son was 15, he punched Juror #3 in the jaw. It has been three years since the two have seen each other.

Other jurors add their reasons, including the boy’s background in the slums. This line of reasoning upsets Juror #5, who, he explains, was also raised in the slums. Okay, fine, so his background isn’t enough, his upbringing flimsy evidence at best….what about the knife?

The knife (wiped of fingerprints) found in the body of the father was a very unique switchblade. The boy bought a knife matching its description on the night of the murder, and claimed it fell through a hole in his pocket on the way to the movies. A knife that unique surely must be evidence-

Juror #8 pulls out a knife of his own, an exact match to the one found in the body, and sticks it in the table for all to see (which is not legal in a real legal scenario, but this is a movie). Someone, he explains, could have bought an identical knife, and killed the father with it while the boy was at the movies.

“It’s possible,” he says.

“But not very probable!” Juror #4 counters.

Seeing that this is going nowhere fast, Juror #8 says this:

“I’m gonna call for another vote. I want you eleven men to vote by secret written ballot. I’ll abstain. If there are eleven votes for guilty, I won’t stand alone. We’ll take in a guilty verdict to the judge right now. But if anyone votes not guilty, we stay here and talk it out.”

They count up the eleven votes. Ten guilty, one not-guilty. Juror #9 has switched sides.

Looking again at the eyewitness accounts, Juror #8 theorizes that, with the train passing by the exact time of the murder, it would be impossible to hear voices and a body hitting the floor upstairs. Furthermore, he determines that it would be equally impossible for an old man with a limp to make it to the door to see the boy go down the stairs in the amount of time that he said it did. (Again, not legal in a jury, but it’s a movie.) Juror #9 speculates that it is possible that the old man did not lie, rather convinced himself that he saw it in excitement about having 15 Minutes of Fame in his old age.

Juror #5, swayed, switches his vote to not-guilty. The debate goes on.

Juror #11 is now starting to think, asking questions of his own: If the boy killed his father, why return home three hours later?

To get the knife, the explanation goes.

If the defendant had a clear enough head to wipe his fingerprints from the knife and go back to get it, how was he in such a panic that he left it in the body in the first place?

Juror #11 switches his vote. It’s now 8 to 4, and still hot as all get out, and they’re all still in a claustrophobic room with a broken fan. Juror #3, aggravated from the beginning, flips out.

“Assumed? Brother, I’ve seen all kinds of dishonesty in my day, but this little display takes the cake. You all come in here with your hearts bleeding all over the floor about slum kids and injustice. You listen to some fairy tales. Suddenly, you start getting through to some of these old ladies. Well, you’re not getting through to me. I’ve had enough. What’s the matter with you guys? You all know he’s guilty. He’s got to burn. You’re letting him slip through our fingers.”

Interesting statement from a supposedly unbiased jury member. This doesn’t go uncommented on, as Juror #8 snaps back:

“Slip through our fingers? Are you his executioner?”

“I’m one of ‘em.”

“Perhaps you’d like to pull the switch.”

“For this kid? You bet I would.”

After another brief exchange, Juror #3 lunges at Juror #8, screaming: “I’ll kill you!” an eerie echo of the supposed words of the boy. This further cements Juror #8’s point: we say stuff like “I’ll kill you” all the time, without meaning, or thinking about it.

Jurors #2 and #6 switch sides. It’s 6-6, all tied up.

Outside, it starts raining. The broken fan starts working. The discussion turns to the boy’s alibi.

Juror #4 points out that the boy could not remember the names of the films he saw, or anyone in them. Juror #8 counters by turning the question around and asking him to recall details of a trip to the movies a few days prior. When Juror #4 cannot give a full, definitive answer, Juror #8 also addresses the fact that when the boy was first asked what the names of the films were, he was in his apartment, cornered by the police, with his father’s body still in the apartment. In other words, the kid was possibly too stressed and frazzled to remember.

Juror #2 brings up the stab wound itself, saying that it was a downward stab wound, and asked how that would be possible, as the father was over six feet tall, and the boy was only 5’7. Juror #3 stands up, taking the knife and, in a tense display, demonstrates on Juror #8 how this could be done, by gripping the knife overhand.

Juror #5 steps up with an argument. He, as he mentioned earlier, was raised in the slums, and he’s seen knife-fights before. Nobody who knew what they were doing would hold a switchblade overhand. It can’t open that way. The boy had been in knife fights before, and it’s unlikely that he would have made such a rookie mistake.

Another voted is called. It’s 9-3, Not Guilty.

Juror #10, enraged, stands up and begins to rant:

“You’re not gonna tell me you believe that phony story about losing the knife, and that business about being at the movies. Look, you know how these people lie. It’s born in them…They don’t know what the truth is. And let me tell ya, they don’t need any real big reason to kill someone either. No, sir. They get drunk. Ah, they’re real big drinkers, all of 'em. You know that. And bang, someone’s lying in the gutter. Well, nobody’s blamin’ 'em for it, that’s the way they are, by nature, you know what I mean? Violent!…Human life don’t mean as much to them as it does to us. Look, they’re lushing it up and fighting all the time, and if somebody gets killed, so somebody gets killed - they don’t care. Oh sure, there are some good things about 'em, too. Look, I’m the first one to say that. I’ve known a couple who are okay, but that’s the exception, you know what I mean? Most of them, it’s like they have no feelings. They can do anything. What’s going on here? I’m tryin’ to tell ya. You’re making a big mistake, you people. This kid is a liar. I know it. I know all about them. Listen to me, they’re no good. There’s not a one of 'em who’s any good….This kid on trial here…well, don’t you know about them? There’s a danger here. These people are dangerous. They’re wild. Listen. Listen to me.”

One by one, the other jurors turn their backs on him and his racially prejudiced tirade, until, subdued, he goes to sit by himself in a corner with nothing else to say.

Juror #8 makes another impassioned speech:

“I don’t really know what the truth is. I don’t suppose anybody will ever really know. Nine of us now seem to feel that the defendant is innocent, but we’re just gambling on probabilities. We may be wrong. We may be trying to let a guilty man go free, I don’t know. Nobody really can, but we have a reasonable doubt and that’s something that’s very valuable in our system. No jury can declare a man guilty unless it’s sure. We nine can’t understand how you three are still so sure.”

Juror #4 brings up the woman’s testimony from across the street. He is quickly shot down by Juror #9’s sharp eyes: the woman had marks on her nose from glasses, suggesting that she wore them often. People who wear glasses do not sleep with them on (as someone who wears glasses, I can confirm). She was in bed at the time of the killing, happening to look out her window at around midnight to see the murder through the passing cars of an el-train, about six seconds of time total, in the dark, not wearing her glasses.

Juror #4 changes his vote, as does Juror #10. It’s 11-1, Not Guilty. This time, Juror #3 is the lone holdout. He goes on a tirade as well, ranting about having all of the facts, all of the evidence on his side, and as he pulls out his wallet to prove it, a picture falls out: one of his and his son.

In a burst of realization that his anger is not directed towards the defendant, but rather his own son, Juror #4 breaks down, and the final vote is called: unanimous, Not Guilty.

Juror #1 knocks on the door and tells the guard that they’re ready to give their verdict. The men file out, Juror #8 staying behind a moment to hand #3 his jacket.

Once outside the courthouse, Juror #9 and Juror #8 exchange names and smiles. Juror #9, McCardle, says ‘so long’, and heads off. Juror #8, Davis, walks down the courthouse steps, and disappears out of shot.

The end.

For being just over an hour and a half with only three settings, the film seems like there is a lot more to it than one would think. We don’t even learn most of the juror’s names, and yet they seem like fully developed characters, and we feel the satisfaction of justice well served.

Or do we?

One of the most interesting things about this movie is that neither the jury, nor the audience, ever finds out if the boy is guilty, or not. Only that there is reasonable doubt. By the same token, there is plenty of evidence to convict him. Even Juror #8 admits that he does not know if the boy is innocent, or guilty, and it’s left to the audience, as it was left to the jury, to make up our own minds about it.

Sobering, isn’t it?

As for me? I don’t know. Maybe he’s guilty. Maybe he isn’t. That doesn’t change the thrust of the movie.

The idea of the movie, the point of it, is that we have this system for a reason, and by showing us an assortment of the type of people who can end up on a jury, we are called to think about, and respect, our duty to our legal system. We don’t want to be Juror #7, switching sides based on how fast he thinks they can get out so he can get to his ball game, or Juror #10, who allowed his hatred to cloud his reason, or Juror #3, who didn’t realize that he was trying to punish his own son based on his anger, instead of the actual defendant based on reason. We want to take this seriously, like #9 and 11. We want to know, want to believe, that in the end, there is a truth, and justice will prevail.

We want to be the Hero, Juror #8, on his Hero’s Journey for the truth.

Another thing we don’t know is what happens to each juror after the movie is over. The film takes place over the span of one day. We have no way of knowing if this affects anyone, if Juror #7 learns to be more cognizant of things around him, if Juror #10 turns from his racist views, or if Juror #3 reconciles with his son. We just don’t know. The film is full of ambiguity, and in that, it feels bitterly real, even if it isn’t realistic.

In that respect, the film makes quite an impact. It stays with you. It makes you think.

And the audience is the better for it.

Thanks so much for reading! If you enjoyed it, please stay tuned to join us for the remainder of our study of 12 Angry Men. Don’t forget that my ask box is always open. Thank you guys so much for reading, and I’ll see you all in the next article!

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justkending · 5 years

Text

10 years Time. Chapter 4.

Series Summary: As princess of Alberia, it is your duty to grow into a rightful young lady if you plan on ruling your family's country. Of course, the only way your father can see this happening is sending you off to a boarding camp at the age of 14 for 10 years to learn what it means to grow into a Queen.That means leaving all your friends and family behind. One specific person, your best friend, you never want to say goodbye to. But 10 years later, you come back grown into a young lady, and find your best friend has grown into a knightly young man. How will you two adjust after 10 years apart? Will things be the same, or will all that’s happened in that span of time affect your relationship?

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Stark Daughter Reader

Word Count: 5000+

A/N: So one of our surprise guest, is one from the X-men universe. The actor that I felt best fit the role for the person is pictured down the way. Hint: I love him and he also grew up where I did:) Different times, but still see or hear of him coming home every once in a while! Anyway, enjoy and let me know what you think!!!

Chapter 4:

Surprise, surprise. After Nat and Wanda stole Y/N away from a very uncomfortable discussion she was about to have with Steve, she was thrown into the lion’s den once again. More introductions, more young men showing off, more kings and queens thinking their son is better than the rest.

Not that Y/N was upset about getting ripped away from the library, because she wasn’t really sure what she wanted to say yet. Sure she had all those years to think it over, but at this point, she was over it. Or at least she thought she was. She wanted to be over it, that’s for sure. It had caused so much pain and anger in her heart after Steve stood her up, and never reached out to her all that time.

But she put those emotions aside knowing she had a duty for the night. Mingle and learn who the people around her were.

“Princess Y/N, this is-” Nat said going to introduce yet another prince, but was rudely cut off by the Queen.

“Your highness, this is my wonderful and handsome son, Prince Brock Rumlow.” she said bowing and presenting the younger man.

He was handsome, yes, but something about him made Y/N’s skin crawl. Plus, the way his mother was practically pushing Nat and Wanda aside to get closer to her, was making her cringe internally.

“Princess.” he bowed taking her hand and leaving a kiss on her hand, of which she wanted to wipe and scrub off with every last piece of soap in the kingdom, but instead she tucked her hands in front of her like the lady she was. “It’s nice to see how you’ve grown. You blossomed into a beautiful young girl.”

“Woman, and thank you.” Y/N corrected him standing straighter. “It was quite a while from home, but I now understand why my father sent me off. I learned a plethora of new things.” she smiled politely.

“Hear that mother? A queen who will serve her king well.” he turned back to her, and Y/N had to quickly wipe the disgust off her face before he saw. “I’m sure whatever man has you in his possession will be showing you off on his arm every chance he gets. You’ve undergone quite the transformation from most the princesses I’ve met. Best of them all actually.” He said confidently.

“First off, I will serve my kingdom well before my King. Second off, I will be under no possession. I’m not a piece of livestock to be sold off.” she said bitterly, but keeping a dignified poise to her manner. “If you’ll excuse me Prince Brock, my ladies and I have more people to converse with tonight, so I’m going to have to kindly bid you adu.” she said with pursed lips. “Queen Rumlow.” she bowed before walking away, and having Nat and Wanda followed with slight grins on their face.

“I know he deserved it, but you should reconsider getting sassy with possible future husbands.” Nat chuckled.

“And he should consider speaking to women like the human beings they are. I also never plan on giving him a second glance as my future husband. He’s got egoistic, narcissistic, jackass written all over him.” Y/N mumbled lowly hoping to catch no one's attention at her language.

“My, my, my. The mouth on this royal.” A man’s voice said from behind the three.

They all turned seeing it was Sam and Bucky giving them lopsided smirks.

“Bucky. Sam.” Y/N nodded with a slight laugh.

“Princess.” they bowed.

“I noticed you met Prince I-get-everything-handed-to-me-by-my-parents-and-I-think-I’m-all-that.” Bucky mocked coming closer to the group. Sam following and snickering under his breath.

“Might want to come up with a shorter name there Buck. Kinda a mouthful.” Y/N laughed.

“Yeah, I’m working on it.” he huffed as if he had been told that before. “Quite the character though, right?”

“Yes, but have to meet every suitor. Good and bad.” she sighed.

“Wait, he’s one of your suitors? But his kingdom isn’t even that great.” Sam scoffed.

“Doesn’t matter. Man of age is a man of age. Have to meet them all.” she shrugged.

Sam and Bucky sharing a look before looking back at her.

“Any promising ones yet tonight?” Bucky pushed on.

“You mean have I found any that aren’t spoiled little boys, whose teachings are from 100’s of years back where they just see women as children makers and nothing more? Or someone who doesn’t just see me as a trophy wife who happens to have a great piece of land and fortune that comes with the package?” she paused acting as if she were in thought only getting raised eyebrows from the men. “No. I don’t think I have.”

“She’s a little irritated with said company tonight.” Wanda said with a tight smile.

“I can tell.” Sam laughs.

“Hmm mmm… Doesn't look like our Y/N is too far gone. Just more verbal on her thoughts on equality.” Bucky smirked. “I like it. Keep speaking the truth.”

“Sorry guys.” she sighs realizing she kinda went off. “It’s hard when you know you’ll be married off, but all the men don’t know how to treat a woman right. They all just see me with a for sale sign rather than a get to know me sign.”

“I’m sorry Y/N, but hey!” Bucky said wrapping an arm around her shoulder and bringing her in for a modest hug. “Night’s half way out. All there's left to do is some dancing, and if you look uncomfortable with a rando out there, one of us knights will save you. It’s our job after all.” he winked once he pulled back.

“I hope you mean that, cause I would much rather be dancing with all you loons than any of the guys I’ve met so far.” she groaned again looking out to the crowd.

“We’ll all be together again soon. Just need to give you some time to settle.” Sam adds.

“Fair.” she smiles.

Before anyone could continue the conversation, Tony was making his way over to his daughter. The crowd splitting around him.

“Y/n!” he shouted happily.

Everyone around bowing before looking back up at him.

“Father.” she said shifting back to business mode.

“I want you to meet Prince Scott Summers.” Her father said moving aside and introducing a young man with brown hair, blue eyes, and a kind face. “Prince Summers here is from the kingdom of Turan. He actually just got done studying all over the world. Multiple countries right?” Tony said turning to the young man with a hand on his shoulder.

“Uh, yes actually. I wanted to get a better understanding of as many cultures as I could while I was in school. So every semester for the past 6 years, I went to a new land.” he smiled turning to Y/n. “It’s an honor to meet you your majesty. I’ve heard many great things about you.” he smiled taking her hand in his and placing a kiss on it like everyone else. This time Y/N actually enthralled by him unlike the rest of the snobs.

“Scott? It’s an honor to meet you. Now Turan, that’s off the southern shores of the Vilayet Sea right?” she asked.

“Yes. I’m surprised you’ve heard of it. We may be a small kingdom, but-”

“But you are a lovely one at that. I met some of your neighboring countries royals while I was at the academy. They say you all are kind, sustaining, and flourishing friends to have.” Y/N nods.

“Well I’m glad we come off that way. We strive to stay clear of war and just provide for the other kingdoms who aren’t as lucky as us.” he smiles.

Wanda, Nat, Sam, and Bucky took in how well the conversation was going. The two had yet to take their eyes off each other, and it seems as if there was some chemistry.

Sam and Bucky share a look with Steve in the back of their heads, and then shift their eyes to Wanda and Nat who return it.

Suddenly the music becomes slow, and people began to move to the dance floor and slowly dancing with their dates. Everyone turning their heads at the change of atmosphere.

“I hope you don’t mind me asking, but would you care to dance Princess?” Scott said bring Y/N’s attention back to him.

“I don’t mind at all.” she smiled taking his hand he extended out to her.

“I’m going to find Pepper and Morgan. I’ll see you on the dance floor.” Tony said with a proud smirk happy that his match worked.

Y/N nods and then turns to her friends who quickly plaster on a fake smile.

“You all are welcome to dance as well. It is a party after all.” she winks before moving to the floor with her arm threaded through Scotts.

Again, they all share a look, but it isn’t until Bucky speaks up that they let out a sigh.

“He’s going to hate this you know. Every bit of it.” Bucky says scratching his beard.

“Yes, but he knows it has to happen. It’s the way it works.” Nat sighs watching you.

“In that case. Care for a dance?” Bucky said sticking his arm out for Nat.

She stubbornly rolls her eyes before smiling and taking his arm.

“I guess if you’re the only option.” she teases.

“I’m hurt.” he said clutching his chest dramatically as they walk to the music.

“Wanda? May I have this dance as well?” Sam says sweetly getting a giant grin from the energetic redhead.

“Don’t have to ask me twice.” she jumped moving to him and walking to join the rest of their friends on the floor.

Once they are all situated on the beautiful polished dance floor, they all keep a close eye on Y/N as they see her giggling and smiling with the new Prince. Far from how she had been acting with the rest.

“Where is Steve?” Bucky said looking around and Nat doing it as well. “He better swoop in soon if he wants even the smallest chance of dancing with her.”

“Bucky, you can’t keep giving him hope that something will happen.” Nat sighs.

“Hey, he’s my best friend and he’s one of yours too. Give the man some sense of joy.” Bucky said looking down at her green eyes.

“Yes, but-”

“Come on Nat. You know he just needs to say his piece so he can finally find some form of peace after all these years. He hates how he left things… Even if he didn’t have the choice. He wants to make it right.” Bucky said looking back and forth in her eyes for the sympathy he knew she had for their friend.

“Ok. Ok.” she finally gave in going back to search the room. “Do you think he’s hiding out, or-”

“Knowing that punk, he’s watching her like a hawk, but not letting anyone know about it.” Bucky said still searching over heads for the honey colored hair.

“True.” Nat said finally spotting someone who had a similar outfit. “Wait. I think I got him.” she said.

Bucky and them turn in a circle and a grin forms on Buck’s face.

“Got him.” he says before moving to Wanda and Sam. “Operation Day and Night is a go.” he says nodding his head toward Steve.

They called it day and night cause she was the sunshine, and Steve was her knight. Clever right? They thought so.

“We sure this is a good idea?” Sam asked.

“No, but he needs to do it.” Bucky answered.

The dance ended, and they look over to Y/N and Scott who looked like he was about to ask her for another dance, but jackass Brock Rumlow was cutting in.

“Ok, now we just need to do it to get her away from him.” Wanda nods their direction.

“On it.” Bucky said before moving to Steve who sure enough was watching, but also posing as if he was holding a conversation with Thor and Loki. “Hey Cap.” Bucky said grabbing Steve’s shoulder and giving it a tight squeeze. “Don’t know if you’re busy or not, but I told Y/N we would send in reinforcement if she needed it.”

“Reinforcement? Reinforcement for what?” Steve said getting slightly worried and just now turning to see that slimy Brock had somehow snuck his way over to Y/N. Steve’s eyes got bigger as he took a step, but stopped suddenly. “Why are you asking me? Why aren’t you saving the day?” he said looking at Bucky.

“Because that’s your job buddy. Not mine.” Bucky said throwing his hands up in defense and then shooting his friend a grin.

“Buck, I can’t.” Steve sighed looking back at her. Even though every bone in his body was telling him to sprint to her and hold her and never let her go, he knew it was pointless.

“You have a lot to say, and what better time than saving the damsel in distress when a snake is making a move on her?”

“I have to agree with Buck here.” Thor spoke up. “You’ve been pining after the girl ever since she hopped on that wild horse and road it through the sunflower fields all those years ago. Women’s been playing your heart like an instrument since. Hell, I think we all had a crush on her after that day!” Thor laughed loudly drawing attention from all around and patting Loki on the back roughly getting yet another glare from his brother.

“He’s not wrong. Shocked us all that day with the risk she took.” Bucky laughed at the memory. “Crazy story aside.” he waved off going back to Steve. “Go get your girl. She’s not going to wait for you forever.”

“She’s not going to wait on me at all. I don’t have the status to ask her hand in marriage. Plus, we know how the king feels about all this. Hence why I’m at a standstill right now.” he said shooting a glare toward the other blue eyed man.

“Ok, ok, but if you don’t go. I’m going to push you.” Bucky said straight faced.

“You’re going to push me?” Steve repeated with furrowed eyebrows. “Are you 12?”

“No, I’m persistent.” Bucky corrected before grabbing both of Steve’s shoulders and starting to push him Y/n’s direction.

“Buck, let me go.”

“You’re not really fighting me that much. I think you want this deep down.”

“Buck-”

“Look we’re so close, and she’s soooo not happy with Rumlow.” Bucky said taking in the disgust on her face. “Go save the day Cap.” Bucky said giving the final push before running the other way.

Steve turned to yell at his friend, but just saw that the whole crew including Clint now were staring at him with smirks. He let out a sigh and when he turned back to Y/N’s direction she was staring at him.

He could see the pleading in her eyes to interfere. Despite everything he thought she hated him about, apparently she hated Brock more. He let out a soft chuckle at the desperation she was showing, and moved in big steps to get to her.

“And that’s when I told him if spoke to me like that again, I would send him to the chopping block. No puny guard talks to me like that.” Brock bragged about being a dick thinking it was making him more attractive for some reason.

“Hmmm.” Y/N hummed not interested at all.

“Excuse me.” Steve spoke up straightening his posture and towering over Brock. Y/N already looking at him, and Brock looking up. “Mind if I cut in?”

“Actually bud-”

“Don’t mind at all. Please.” Y/N said pulling back and curtseying to Brock in hopes it would get him away quicker.

“But-” Brock began to complain.

“I’m sure you wouldn’t mind one dance.” Y/N said with a stern look that honestly intimidated Brock more than anything.

“Uh, yeah. Ok.” he pouted giving Steve a dirty look before bowing and walking away. Turning back every so often to send another glare.

“You didn’t look too happy, so I figured...” Steve said turning to her.

“You figured right. I wanted to die.” she huffed.

“Well, I hope I don’t have the same effect on you.” he said carefully before putting a hand out.

“We’ll just have to see.” She responded taking it.

Steve took dancing position, but kept his distant scared that she wouldn’t want to be close to him.

“You know I don’t bite right.” she said after a while.

“What?”

“You’re holding me at arms length practically. I don’t bite.” she lets out a small laugh, and the tension in Steve’s heart clears up a bit.

He relaxed his muscles and then pulled her closer. Wrapping a hand firmly around her waist, and cradling her hand in his. She griped his shoulder softly but firmly so that it doesn’t slide off as they swayed side to side.

He just looked down at her as she looked around. He took in her features while he could because he wasn’t sure if he would ever be close enough to do it again.

Her eyelashes had grown. They were always long, but now they curled perfectly bringing all the attention to the beautiful Y/E/C orbs that replicated her mothers. Her cheekbones were perfect, and had a slight blush on them. He wasn’t sure if it was the makeup or the fact that it was a little warm in there, but nonetheless it gave her color that was adorable on the cheeks. Her lips were plump and had dark colored red on them that he hadn’t noticed before. How could he not notice? They brought so much attention to the perfect outline of her mouth. And her skin. It was perfectly sun kissed and had no flaws whatsoever. She had little freckles running over her nose that you had to look closely for, but once you found them, you never lost them again.

She was breathtaking to say the least. So without thinking. He said the least.

“You look absolutely breathtaking tonight.” he said still looking down on her.

Her head snapped up to his and he focused on the irises in her eyes now that he could see them more clearly.

“T-Thanks.” she responded.

That was the first time he had ever heard her stutter. She was never unsure of anything. Always so confident in her words.

“Of course.” he responded with a smile that grew when he noticed that the blush he saw earlier got darker.

“How, uh, how has everyone been? I haven’t really got a chance to catch up with the old crew beside Nat and Wanda. Some of Sam, Clint, and Bucky, but not enough.” she said changing the focus.

“Sam is still as childish as ever.” Steve laughed. “Clint and Laura have been going steady for a while. Probably going to get married soon.” he smiled looking in the crowd as Y/N took her turn studying his features now.

“Really? Laura finally gave in?”

“Took him some convincing and lots of little dates and flowers, but eventually she said yes.” Steve laughed looking down.

“Good.” she smiled thinking about her friends. “Tell me more.” she grinned not wanting to break eye contact now. Steve was ok with that though.

“Well, let’s see. Sam and Wanda have become even closer than ever. It’s the personalities I’m sure. Both playful and overly energetic.”

“Very true. I miss their energy.” Y/N laughed moving a little closer without thinking, but Steve noticed, and he moved closer too.

“Nat and Bucky I’m pretty sure are going to be a thing.” Steve said looking down at her still.

“What? No! You’re messing with me. Those two?” she said shocked just like everyone else.

“Bucky loves her sassy attitude, and even though she plays hard to get about 1000x more than Laura did… Bucky is persistent.” he rolled his eyes thinking of the dark haired man.

“Stubborn.” Y/N said. “Stubborn as an ass.”

“Language.” Steve chasted, but Y/N just laughed and rolled her head.

“Right. I forgot. Princesses should never cuss. That and you’re the language guard. Or should I say Captain,” she said with a gleam in her eye.

“Not as bad as I used to be, but I don’t think I’ll ever get use to you cursing. Throws me off.” he smiled.

“Hmm.” she hummed with a smile before carefully moving to rest her head on his chest. “What else has happened? What about Thor and Loki? T’Challa and Shuri?”

Steve was still stunned by her resting on his chest, it took him a second to remember where he was. This was real right? This wasn’t a dream? Did she mean to do that, or was the wine getting to her? Forget it. Let it be.

“Uh, well..” Steve gulped some air trying to get his brain to work. “Thor and Lady Jane have started what could possibly be a future relationship.”

“Jane Foster?” Y/N asked still tucked into his chest.

“Yeah. She’s quite the scholar.”

“So I’ve heard. Who else is getting into a relationship?” Y/N said finally lifting her head. Steve missing the closeness.

“I think that’s it. Sir Banner, Vis, and Colonel Rhodey are still councils of your father. They are off on a mission right now though. T’challa and Shuri couldn’t come tonight, but I think they plan on visiting within the next few days.” Steve went on.

“See these are things I have yet to be informed on. As soon as I got here, they started getting me ready for this. I haven’t had a second to think or ask what all changed.”

“Any questions you have, I’m willing to try and answer.” He grinned down at her.

What he didn’t expect to see was her smile go down. She had a lot of questions for him, but she wasn’t ready to ask.

Perfect timing the music stopped and Y/N pulled back. Steve’s arms chased after her touch, but quickly fell to his side when he figured why. They bowed and curtseyed before she looked anywhere but him.

“I’m going to get a drink. I haven’t- I um,-” she paused to take a breath. “I need some air.” she said before walking away quickly.

Steve wanted to go after her, but he knew better not to push his limits. Taking an impulsive step toward her, he wrapped his brain around the scenario and didn’t let his second foot follow. No matter how bad the urge.

“Hey. What happened?” He heard Bucky’s voice come up from behind him. When he turned and his head hung a little lower he noticed that the whole crew had joined Buck. Thor and Loki even.

“What didn’t happen?” Steve said exhausted from all the shit that he knows will go down eventually.

The group of friends shared a saddening look at their failed attempts to bring the two together again. Even as friends for now, but that was still a step in a good direction.

“I’m going to go check on her.” Wanda said smiling softly before excusing herself. When Nat moved to go as well, Wanda gave her a soft nod showing she had it and it’s best if she goes alone. Nat sighed waving her off even though she desperately wanted to go, but Wanda was right. This was a one on one moment.

___

“Y/N? Y/N are you out here?” Wanda timidly whispered as she walked out to the front steps of the palace.

She noticed it was vacant since everyone was inside enjoying the party. Just the guards scattered at their posts.

“Over here.” she heard the deflated voice.

She turned the corner finding Y/N sitting on a bench to the left and looking off into the land. The best thing about their kingdom was the amount of wildflowers that had taken over the entrance. Groomed and carefully manicured to not look like they grew on their own, but still captivating under the bright moonlight of the evening.

Wanda cautiously moved to the bench and stopped just about 3 feet from it before interlacing her fingers in front of her. Y/N had yet to turn and was still gracefully looking out in the view.

“Wanna talk about it?”

“About what?” Y/N said monotoned.

“About how after your dance with Steve, you rushed out of there like your gown was on fire.” Wanda chuckled lightening the mood.

Y/N’s lips turned up in a small smile before she looked down at her hands in her lap.

“I was hoping no one noticed.” Y/N chuckled herself, but it wasn’t a happy laugh.

“Maybe not everyone, but your closest group of friends? Yeah, we noticed.” she said sitting on the opposite side of the bench. “What’s going on in that head of yours Y/N/N?”

She took a deep breath before looking at her patient and kind lady in waiting.

“What isn’t going through my head?” she chuckles, but Wanda can see the struggle in her heart that causes a small tear to make its way down Y/N’s cheek. But she quickly wiped it away not liking showing weaknesses.

“Ok, than give me the bullet points. Even speaking those into existence helps.” Wanda says placing a soft hand on her friends shoulder before bringing it back on her lap.

“Where to begin?” Y/N bitterly laughs before sitting straighter and then turning her body toward Wanda.

“First, I just got home and I’ve barely had a chance to catch my breath. So much has changed here, more little details than big, but enough to make me feel stressed beyond measure. I feel like I have so much to catch up on, but so little time to do so. I mean after 8 hours of getting dressed in this-” she motioned to her dress aggressively throwing her hands back in her lap. “Then I was already being thrown to the wolves without any tell of what to expect.”

“You’ve handled it better than anyone I know could have. I’ve heard nothing but amazing comments at how you’ve grown, and how knowledgeable, mature, and poised you’ve become.” Wanda said bringing in some positive vibes.

“Thanks Wanda. I’m glad my facade is tricking all those snobs in there.” Y/N scoffed, but still appreciated Wanda sending her kind reassurance.

“They are all kinda snobby aren’t they?” Wanda giggled.

“So snobby. Why the hell do they think they’re all better than the next person in the room? It’s draining.” Y/N sighed looking back at the view.

“I must say I’m glad to be apart of this kingdom. You’re father has made it a very open, welcoming, non-judgmental environment. Not everyone is so lucky.”

“They aren’t. It sounds selfish of me to complain about all this. I do have it good, but it can be-”

“No. You have the right to feel overwhelmed Y/N. Even if you don’t want to, you can still feel those things. Your emotions are there to tell you what's going right and wrong. You have to listen to them if you want to fix them.” Wanda said spreading the wisdom everyone knows she has. Even if she hides it behind a goofy exterior.

“You’re right.” The princess said after a while of thinking. “I just need to get a better grasp as to what all changed and how I can work with it. I am going to be the ruler of this kingdom some day. It would help if I knew it better.” Y/N smiled sadly looking at Wanda who returned it.

“We have all day to do that tomorrow though. Today was just supposed to be a day you can celebrate coming home! Put all those stresses and worries that we can figure out later away. Nat and I have that figured out for the morning and all.” Wanda waved off.

“But what about-”

“Don’t. Not tonight. Tonight is a celebration. Go find your friends. Mingle and catch up. You’ve done enough talking to princes tonight. I’m sure your father is ok with you just enjoying the party now. No more business talk.” Wanda stood up at the last comment and extended her hand. “I’ll stay by your side if you want. Make sure no royals try ‘talking shop’ as King Stark says.” she giggled.

Y/N let out a laugh as she grabbed the extended hand, and straightened herself. She smoothed out her dress, dabbed her face of any tears, and took a deep breath before raising her chin.

“Let’s go enjoy ourselves then.” she smiled.

“That’s the Y/N I know and love. Come on sunshine. Let’s go.” Wanda said turning and walking with an extra skip in her step before walking to the front.

What she didn’t see was the slight pause Y/N gave after she heard the nickname. Sure, Steve used it so often that everyone began to call her that. She was everyone's sunshine after a while, but she was Steve’s first. And with everything her heart had been through with him, it pained her a little hearing that name.

But just as fast as she faltered in her step at the thought, she picked up her pace and moved inside. Briefly stopping before to look out onto the field of wildflowers one last time to calm her again before fully going in.

10 Years Time Tag:

@starstrucknature @zlixlle @thorne93 @captainsteveevans @girlintheshire @shreddedparchment @queenie4ce @laneygthememequeen @averyrogers83 @sp2900 @heyiamthatbitch @purpleclodpastamug @noobmaster63 @snow30285 @zeilenkrieg @twizzziee @buckybarneslove76 @srrymydood @kaytizzle @cheeseburgersstuff @teller258316 @thejourneyneverendsx @notyourtypicalrose

Other Tags:

@shamelesslydean @sleepless-sin @sandlee44 @gripmetight-raisemefromperdition @spnwoman @ravengirl94 @carryonmywaywardcaptain @ezilyamuzed @thosekidswhohuntmonsters @anise-d-castle6 @tailsoflightning @spookycowz @snffbeebee @angelessquirrel @deans-baby-momma @natura1phenomenon @tftumblin @gh0stgurl @screechingartisancashbailiff @herscrunchiehairtie @dreaminemz @monkeymcpoopoo @a-girl-who-loves-disney @andthatsmyworld @greenarrowhead @savio-the-depressed-moose @awesome-badass-cafeteria-sauce @greyeyedsmile14 @adoptdontshop-blog @casper57 @traceyaudette @rainflowermoonlibrary @luciathewinchestergirl @almostelegantfire @thefaithfulwriter @the-is13 @kaz11283 @jerkbitchidjitassbutt @squirrelgirl67 @jackles-15 @lauravic @deansgirls-1968 @a–1–1–3 @spnbaby-67 @deannotmoose @naomi02hook @were-not-the-losechesters @lilulo-12

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shibereshu · 4 years

Text

“and they were in quarantine” [1]

Cao Yuchen // ‘OMG They were quarantined together’ AU

It was a bright warm day in March, and the clocks were striking thirteen. Your stomach growled, asking you for food, so you tried to finish your report as fast as possible and run to the interns’ coordinator’s office. He always gave you the longest tasks, since you were the one with a better understanding of English among the interns.

When you decided to spend a year gaining working experience abroad, you thought it would be the complete opposite, and that they would be a bit less demanding regarding your situation, but it didn’t turn out that way. Nevertheless, you couldn’t believe how lucky you were… one of the biggest entertainment companies in China had approved your application, and you were surrounded by the best professionals in your field, so you were really happy and thankful for the opportunity.

Your superior greeted you with a smile and glanced at the report with approval.

“(Y/N)! You always hand in the best work, thank you! You haven’t eaten yet, right? Go ahead, join the other interns, you can finish the rest after your meal.”

“Thank you, mister.” You left the room with a bow and walked to the canteen, where your fellow interns where already enjoying the menu of the day.

“Oh! (Y/N)! Are you finally done with the report?” your friend Yifei mumbled, gulping down a big scoop of rice.

“Don’t do that, Yifei, you are going to choke!” the boy sitting next to her, Jiyang, exclaimed, while giving her a look of disapprovement.

Yifei smacked the back of his head, making him drop his chopsticks and open his mouth to complain about her. You always spent your meal break with these two dorks, and you couldn’t help but find funny how they would keep teasing each other. However, after you finally sat down beside them with your tray full of food, Jiyang’s attention quickly shifted to you, and he began asking you about your day while trying to share some of his food with you and laughing at things you said he found funny for no reason at all.

You had to admit, the way he acted towards you was kind of cute, and any other girl would probably fall helplessly to his charms. He was really considerate, always worrying about your health and mood. This was obvious, and you weren’t the only one who had noticed; Yifei usually teased you on your way back home, and you knew what the giggles and looks of other workers at the corporation meant. But you only felt pity for the boy, nothing more. You were a busy girl, making a big effort to live and learn as much as possible in this foreign country, you were too busy to even think about going out with a boy!

You tried to turn him down as politely as you could, and you finished your meal and rushed towards your office, thinking about the big amount of papers you still had to fill before finally leaving the place.

As lost as you were in your thoughts, you didn’t notice the person running towards the elevator you had stepped in, until the doors were about to close and their arm stretched out trying to avoid it.

“Oh my god! I’m so sorry!” you blurted, pushing quickly the button that would prevent the doors from closing, while you kept apologising to the person, “I didn’t see you coming! I zoned out and… Did you get hurt?” You finally looked up, and left out a sigh of relief as you recognised the boy standing in front of you: Cao Yuchen, an artist under the company, who you’d met on your first week there, “Oh! Cao Yuchen! I was so worried… I thought I’d hurt one of my superiors.”

“Hey, (Y/N), did you forget that I’m also your superior here?” the young man looked at you with a frown between his brows, “I think one of my ligaments teared, ouch!” his face turned into one of someone in pain, and he held his arm carefully trying not to apply too much pressure onto it.

“Wh… what?? Does it really hurt that much? Let me see” you tried to reach his arm but he turned away, hiding his face and his arm from you.

“Ahh… I think they will have to cut my arm off”

You froze for a moment, feeling the panic rise, but then noticed his shoulders shivering and heard a quiet giggle, signals that he was just acting and wasn’t actually feeling any pain at all.

“Hey Cao Yuchen! Don’t mess up with me, you bastard!” you threw your hands at him and punched him repeatedly on his arm, “Teared ligament, yeah sure, I can’t believe I almost fell for it”

By then, Yuchen was already laughing out loud. He rested his hands on your shoulders, trying to push you away from him.

“You totally fell for it,” another laugh came out from his lips as he continued speaking, “Ah, (Y/N), don’t you think my acting skills just keep improving each day? That was great, not going to lie.”

“I can’t stand you, I swear”

“Hey, be more respectful, I am older than you and also in a higher position here, so be polite” his mocking tone didn’t match the seriousness that filled his expression again. He was really good at controlling his facial expressions, you had to give him that.

“Okay, mister, I’m sorry. But don’t make fun of me ever again, or do I have to remind you that you still owe me?”

“Ugh… do you already know what you want me to do so that we’re even? I am tired of being indebted to you.”

“No, sorry, I still have to think about it for a bit longer.”

The elevator doors opened and Yuchen stepped out of it. “Okay, (Y/N), but don’t take too long or you’ll miss the chance. Bye now!”

You looked at the boy walking away while the doors closed again and the elevator resumed his way up. Your mind forgot about the incident and went back to your tasks as soon as you arrived the floor your office was in. You stretched your limbs, knowing you would have to sit on your desk for at least six more hours before you could leave.

A few hours later, you were finally done with all of the paperwork, and it was almost time for the working hours to end. You walked around the lobby, waiting for Yifei, who you always walked home with. Not much longer after that, you saw your friend saying goodbye to a coworker and making her way to you.

“(Y/N), I’m so tired… let’s hurry up, I have to stop at the convenience store before heading home.”

“I should buy a few things too… I think I ran out of bread.”

“Ah! I almost forgot,” Yifei’s eyes lit up as she said that, “I ran across Cao Yuchen when I was going to the restroom earlier today, that boy gets more handsome every day, I swear!”

“Why do you like him so much,” you rolled your eyes, remembering what had happened in the elevator, “he’s just like any other Chinese actor these days.”

“He’s way more friendly than any other actor I’ve met, and I’ve worked at four different entertainment companies, so I would know! Anyway, aren’t you friends with him or something? Wasn’t he the one you had to help that day?”

“Well… I’d say we are rather acquaintances. I helped him and now he owes me one, but that’s it. I don’t really see him that often.” You shrugged. “That’s because you are always busy! You don’t even hang out with me,” you friend pointed at you, in a blaming way, “Next week the spring sale will start, and we are going to go shopping together, no excuses allowed”. “Okay, okay, we will.” You arrived at the street where you had to part ways, so you hugged before saying goodbye to each other and walked away, speeding up your pace to arrive as soon as possible. There was nothing else you longed for more than your bed.

Finally home, you put your bag and papers aside and made yourself something to eat before throwing yourself on your mattress. You still had to finish a few things before going to sleep, but it was quite early and a couple of minutes of relax wouldn’t hurt anyone. Just when you had started drifting into your mind again, a loud banging noise, made your heart skip a beat and your head lift from your soft pillow.

What is that? you thought to yourself, looking around completely disoriented.

Another loud bang followed the first one, so you go on your feet and walked towards the front door, trying to find the source of the loud impacts. As you got closer to it, the noise grew louder and louder, so you decided to open the door and take a look outside. Before your apartment, a short corridor led to a few other doors and the narrow stairs you had to walk up and down every single day. The corridor was usually empty, but that day a grown up man wearing a pair of overalls and a helmet stood in the middle of it, banging a big hammer against the door of one of the other properties.

“M… Mister,” you realised you had been standing there for a few seconds, staring right at the man without having said anything, so you tried to regain composure and thought the best thing to do next would be to ask him directly what was going on, “I kept hearing a banging noise, and was wondering…” you didn’t know how to ask him, but it didn’t matter anyway, because the moment he heard you, he dropped his hammer and looked at you just as if he was looking at a ghost.

“Young girl! What the hell are you still doing here! Did nobody tell you to leave?”

“What… sorry?” You had no idea what he meant, but you noticed you were the only one who had come out looking for the source of noise. Where you also the only one there apart from the builder?

“This whole floor is going to be demolished! A young rich man has bought the whole building and wants to turn all of this into a single apartment. Didn’t your landlord notify you? Everyone has left in the last week!” The man took his helmet off and run a hand through his greasy hair, worried about you, “Maybe you didn’t understand what was going on, since you look like a foreigner… Hold on, I will tell my boys to stop for today, but we will have to continue tomorrow, so I’m afraid you will have to leave as soon as possible. You can spend the night here, but you will have to be gone by tomorrow morning. You have somewhere else to go, right?” he gave you a concerned look, and looked for his phone so that he could notify the rest of the building team to stop what they were doing.

You looked at him with a blank expression, and went over his words again and again in your head, trying to make sense of the situation. I have to leave? your heart beating faster and faster at the thought, Where could I go… I have no one to call.

Yifei! Your friend would surely host you for a few days, right? You had gotten pretty close since you arrived there. You thanked the man for the information and concern and rushed back into your apartment (no longer yours) to call your friend. You decided to check for a message of your landlord first, and you realised an email of hers from a week before had been directed to your spam folder, so you hadn’t noticed that you had received it. However, you didn’t have much time to complain about it, you knew you had to act fast and focus on finding a place to stay for the following days.

Luckily, your friend picked up her phone pretty quickly.

“Yifei! Oh Yifei, I’m so glad you picked up!” you heard your voice crack and tried to control your agitated breathing, “Something terrible has just happened to me.”

“(Y/N), are you okay? What’s going on?” You could hear a lot of noise in the room your friend was in, but then she walked away, probably into another emptier room, and you could hear her much clearer after that, “where are you right now?”

“I’m at my apartment- well, what used to be my apartment… Yifei, they kicked me out!”

“What?! So suddenly!?” Yifei couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“I got an email a week ago, but I didn’t see it and now I have to leave, and I have nowhere to go, and- What am I going to do, Yifei?”

“Okay, okay, listen, breathe in, breathe out…” You followed her words and tried to calm down, without much effectiveness, “Do you know anyone with a free room?”

“I don’t… But Yifei, can I stay at your place? It would only be for a day or two, until I find somewhere else! There’s no way I find a free room before tomorrow!” A thousand thoughts filled your mind, and you tried to think of any other solution, maybe staying at a hotel or guest house, but that would be way too expensive, and you needed the money to find a new place…

“Oh, (Y/N), I’m so so so sorry… I live with my parents, and my grandparents are also staying here right now… and if we also count my siblings… I am so sorry (Y/N), we really don’t have room for another person… Hey, turn that volume down! I’m trying to help a friend here!” the last words were screamed to someone else on that side of the phone call. You started losing hope, and saw yourself spending the following nights at a 24h store or café. Get yourself together, (Y/N)! There must be someone else…

Yifei kept talking on the phone, “What about Jiyang? I’m sure he wouldn’t mind hosting you for a couple of days! You know he would do anything for you!”

“Oh no, there’s no way I’m asking him… Can you even imagine how awkward that would be?! And I wouldn’t feel good knowing I’m taking advantage of him that way…”

“But who else can we ask then? Wait, I have a friend who lives in a rather big house, she has a son, but if I ask her she may-“

“Yuchen!” You suddenly stood up and screamed his name. Of course! He lived in a really big house, and he wouldn’t say no, since you helped him before and he had promised to help you once too, so that it would be fair.

“Yuchen? Wait… Cao Yuchen?! No no no no, are you crazy? You don’t know him well! How can a woman stay at the house of a stranger like that? He’s famous but that doesn’t mean he is a good man, who knows how he lives behind scenes and-“ Yifei kept ranting and ranting but you had already made a decision.

“Listen, you yourself said he was a nice man, and he owes me, so it’s not like I’m asking for too much! His house is huge, too, he won’t even have to look at me twice, and it’s only for one or two days and only for sleeping… it will be fine! I won’t disturb him.”

“But what if… what if he’s a pervert or something.”

“I’m not a kid, Yifei, I will make sure I can lock the room or whatever... bye now, I’m going to text him.”

“(Y/N) are you sure about this… I-“

You hung up on your friend, reminding yourself to apologise to her the next day and thank her for caring so much about your safety. A part of you also thought that this was a really bad idea and that many things could go wrong, but you were desperate. Furthermore, he joked around a lot, but in the couple of months that you’d been working at the company, you’d also noticed that Yuchen was a really nice guy overall, he even had a pet (the cutest dog) and people who cleaned his house for him, it wasn’t as if you would be trapped in a room all alone with him for weeks…

Reassuring yourself, you opened the chat app and wrote him about the situation. After a few minutes filled with stress and anticipation, your screen lit up, showing a new message from Yuchen:

Cao Yuchen [20:17]: Of course! I can’t believe you have to go through this! We can come tomorrow after work together, so don’t worry anymore about it. Just make sure your shoes are clean ;)

You took your pillow and pushed your face against it, before letting out a loud groan. Okay, (Y/N), things will work out you thought to yourself Just hold on for a bit, just for a few days, and everything will go back to normal… Yes it will…

#cao yuchen #quarantine au #quarantine scenario #slice of life #cao yuchen scenario #the untamed boys #TUBS #the untamed boys scenario #the untamed #CPOP #曹煜辰 #the untamed boys scenarios #cao yuchen scenarios #admin isa

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ask-the-munchkin-crusader · 4 years

Text

Amy’s Arrival Pt. 1

((Before we begin, this art was done by @mychaoticland. Check out Syd’s work; it’s really awesome! Thank you so much Syd! This looks amazing. Now then, on with the show!))

The elementary school bus pulled up to the last house on the corner with a layer of snow still covering the lawn. A small child with emerald green eyes waddled off the bus in her big green winter jacket, green hat, black snow pants, black boots, bundled from head to toe in warmth. Her blue and green backpack bounced on her back as she hit the ground and made her way to the house. She opened the door and was instantly hit with warm air instead of the bitter cold of the Wisconsin winter air.

Once inside with the door closed, she slid her backpack off her back along with her jacket, revealing her light green striped shirt she was wearing and her black skirt hidden beneath her snow pants. She slipped off her boots and her hat to reveal her curly brunette hair tied back in green scrunchie.

The young girl made her way to the kitchen to see a young teenager with faded red hair making some popcorn in the microwave. The child silently giggled as she went to sneak up on him. She used the kitchen island as a cover for sneaking and slowly crawled on the ground and around until she saw her target. She stuck her head out from behind the island and just as the teen bent down to look for a bowl, the girl rushed over to try and tackle him down in a hug. She didn’t knock him down entirely but she did cause him to wobble and waiver a bit in his balance.

“Got ya!” The small girl declared as she held onto the older boy.

The teenager rolled his eyes and went to pick up the girl and give her a proper hug. “All right, all right, you got me,” He stated and then set her down on the island counter. “Now can I please get back to making my popcorn, Amy?”

“Only if I get to have some,” Amy stated, a grin plastered on her face.

The teen rolled his eyes once more. “Well, fine,” He said as he poured the snack into a bowl. “Since we’re going to be watching Stardust Crusaders in a little bit.”

Amy gasped when she heard this. It had been over a month since they had finished Battle Tendency and Amy had become hooked on the show. Kyle, her older brother, had gotten her into JoJo after he was sick of her watching Steven Universe, My Little Pony, and Miraculous Ladybug for the umpteenth time. She became hooked instantly and was a huge Jonathan fan and cried at the end of Phantom Blood. She had such a blast with Battle Tendency though and instantly recognized Caesar’s voice actor as the same one who voiced Chat Noir. After that, she would constantly draw pictures of the Joestars and give them to her brother to hold onto since he was, in her mind, the one with all the foreknowledge on everything JoJo. Plus, she kept bugging him to let her see the next part even though he wanted to take a break from JoJo for a bit. Now they were going to actually get to watch Stardust Crusaders.

“Wait, how come you changed your mind?” Amy questioned, wanting to know the reason as to why they were now getting to watch the next part.

“Well, the schools sent out an email saying that there was going to be a snow storm coming in tomorrow, so no school tomorrow,” Kyle explained as he picked up the bowl in one arm and his sister in the other one. “And if we’re lucky, we might get the next day off too.”

The grin came back to Amy’s face as she was sat on the couch. Kyle gave her the bowl while he set up the DVD player and Amy couldn’t help but bounce with excitement at finally getting to watch part 3, which Kyle would say was a universally loved part in the JoJo community. Once the screen came to life, it went straight to the home menu and had who Amy assumed to be the new JoJo on the screen. He was a tall young man with a black school coat and black pants on as well as a bunch of belts around his waist and a strange hat that blended with his hair. “Is that the new JoJo?” she asked Kyle as he grabbed the remote and came to sit down next to his sister.

“Yep, his name is Jotaro,” Kyle said as he hit play. “Now, Amy, are you ready to enter the world of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders?”

“I’m ready,” Amy determinedly said.

“You’re weird, you know that?”

“So are you!”

Episode Commentary by Amy

“Wait, wait, wait….why does that guy have a chicken man behind him?”

“WHAT?! JERKY-MC-JERKFACE DIO IS BACK?! NOOOOO!” –EP1

“That red-haired guy reminds me of you, Kyle, except he seems cooler.”

“Ewww! Is that a zit on his head? It’s so gross!”-EP2

“Oh no! Poor Ms. Holly!”

“Wow, that was a really cool group pose. Do you think they practiced that?”-EP3

“I knew Joseph being on a plane was a bad idea. Maybe they should’ve taken a boat.”

“What’s up with that guy’s hair? Is it because he’s French? Or is it because it’s the 80s?”-EP4

“Do you think they have to pay back for all the food and the tables?”

“That’s really sad about his sister dying. Would you avenge me if I died?” –EP5

“Why do Jotaro and Kakyoin wear their school uniforms all the time? Aren’t they sweaty in them?”

“You know, I’m starting to like Jotaro more now.”–EP6

“Why do I have to cover my eyes again? It’s just a monkey, right?”

“Now I want gum.” –EP7

“Did that reception guy sound like DIO? That’s not good if he did.”

“What?! Kakyoin can’t really be a traitor, can he?!” –EP8

“Man, I forgot how intense this can get at times,” Kyle remarked as he got up and stretched himself out. He and Amy had practically been sitting for four hours straight. Plus, he needed to change the DVD over to the next disc.

Amy, meanwhile, still sat on the couch with a dumbfound look on her face while Kyle got up to get the DVD out of the DVD player.

“Amy? You okay?”

“…..That just can’t be right!” Amy shouted, coming back to reality and scaring her brother with her shout. “Kakyoin can’t be a bad guy! He’s like, the super nice one! He can’t still be working for jerky-mc-jerkface, DIO!” The girl crossed her arms over her chest and huffed. “We have to watch the next episode, Kyle!”

“We will, we will,” Kyle said, grabbing the disc set and putting the first one away. “But Dad’s on his way back with pizza so I thought we’d take a bit of a break.”

“But-” Amy was about to protest when her stomach gurgled from hunger. She hadn’t realized how hungry she actually was until Kyle pointed it out. Plus, taking a small break would be good since she could talk to her brother and Dad about everything that was going on.

Just then, a car pulled into the driveway and Amy jumped off the couch in excitement. She raced to the front door to see her Dad coming up to the door with a pizza in his arms. She opened the door for him just as he was about to do it himself and hugged him. “Hi, Daddy.” She greeted her Dad, slightly shivering in the cold.

“Hi sweetie,” Her Father greeted back, walking into the house with the little girl hanging around his waist. He closed the door and handed over the pizza to Kyle while he started taking off his winter attire, revealing his black shirt and black pants for his mechanic uniform. There was a grease spot on his front pocket but overall, he looked relatively clean. He had brown hair like Amy cut to his ears and brown eyes that matched her brother. Once he had his boots off, he picked Amy up and threw her in the air, causing her to giggle. “Now what have you two been up to?”

“Watching JoJo,” Amy answered, heading to the kitchen island to sit down and get her pizza. “We’re gonna watch all of it before we go back to school!”

“Oh, well all right,” Mr. Armstrong said as he came to get a slice of pizza for himself. He wasn’t sure about all this “anime” but he saw no harm in it. Heck, he even worked with a young kid at the auto-shop who recommended this JoJo show to Kyle. “Just don’t stay up too late, all right?”

“Got it, Dad,” Kyle replied this time, grabbing some soda out of the fridge for the three of them. The red-headed teen also grabbed some red cups as well for them to use since none of them wanted to do dishes later. “How’s Mom doing helping Evelyn?”

“Well she’s warm, that’s for sure,” Mr. Armstrong said, a bit envious that his wife was all warm and toasty in Florida while he was freezing in Wisconsin. Then again, he and Mrs. Armstrong had an agreement that if he helped their eldest get to school that she’d go there to help out if a need arose. “But she should be back by the end of the week, if the weather permits.”

After finishing up most of the pizza- saving a few slices for later- Amy rushed back to the couch, practically jumping over it, and grabbed a hold of the remote. Just as she pressed the on button, the lights in the house suddenly went off and plunged the current family of three into darkness. Amy screamed at this sudden change of lighting and Kyle quickly grabbed his phone and turned on its flashlight, giving some light in the dark.

“Great, the power’s out,” Mr. Armstrong grumbled. He went into the kitchen and pulled out three medium sized flashlights and gave one to each of his kids. “The storm must’ve shut off the power. Kyle, you mind giving me a hand with the breaker? Otherwise we’ll be shivering all night.”

“Sure,” Kyle said, turning off his phone flashlight and stuffing it into his pocket for later.

“Amy, you stay here and man the house while we’re gone,” Mr. Armstrong instructed his youngest as she went to turn on the flashlight. “Holler to us if the power comes back on.”

“Got it, Daddy,” Amy saluted to her Father as she played around with the flashlight.

“That a girl.”

After her brother and Dad left to deal with the breaker, Amy continued to turn her flashlight on and off in amusement. She wanted the power to come back on so badly so she could resolve the cliffhanger of whether or not Kakyoin was indeed a traitor, which she couldn’t believe him to be. This was worse than when Steven Universe went on hiatus after revealing White Diamond. Come on, power, come back on,Amy prayed as she moved the flashlight around the room to illuminate all the objects in the dark.

Just as she was shining the light onto the TV, it suddenly sparked to life and caused Amy to yelp in shock. She quickly hid under the blanket on the couch but quickly came out from her spot when she realized that it was only the TV coming back on. “Daddy, Kyle!” She shouted over the couch. “The TV’s on!”

There came no reply. They must not have heard her.

She was about to go in person to deliver the news when the TV started to have static snow on the screen. The young girl turned her attention back over to it and watched as a figure appeared on the screen. It slowly came into focus to reveal itself to be DIO. “You’re watching me. Well watch this!”He said, pointing at the screen. Then it went back and looped him saying that over and over again.

Amy rolled her eyes at this, thinking that the last episode was on repeat again. She thought Kyle had taken that disc out…..Oh well. Amy tried popping out the DVD from the DVD player but the remote refused to work so the scene continued to loop over and over again. “Come on,” Amy sighed as she repeatedly tried turning the TV off with a remote. She didn’t want to keep hearing DIO over and over again. (In her opinion, she got enough of that in part 1).

After doing this for a few more minutes, Amy gave up on the remote and decided to go to the DVD player to pop it out from there. As she pressed the eject button, she failed to notice something slithering out from the TV and coming to her. Just when it seemed like the DVD would come out, she felt something grab her right arm that she had leaning against the TV. Amy looked up to see a purple vine wrapped around her. (Surprisingly, despite having thorns in it, didn’t hurt her). “What the-?” Amy gasped as she tried to pull her arm away.

Then, without warning, another purple vine pounced out from the TV screen and wrapped itself around Amy’s other arm. The little girl struggled to break herself free from the vines but her child-like strength was nothing in comparison to them. Suddenly, the vines began to pull back into the TV and started taking Amy with her. She tried grounding in her heels into the carpet to keep from moving, but again, she was a little girl and these were other-worldly vines. (You do the logic here).

So, to deal with this, Amy did the next best thing; she screamed for help. “Daddy! Kyle! Help me!”

Instead of hearing the sound of footsteps heading towards the room or her brother or Dad calling out to her, she heard nothing. How could they not hear her?

As the vines started to disappear into the screen, Amy’s hands started to faze right through it like there wasn’t even a hard surface there. Amy started to struggle even more as her arms up to her elbows started going through the screen as well. “HELP!” She shouted as her head was pulled through. Soon, her whole body was pulled through and the TV went back to being fuzzy.

**********************

Amy found herself falling down an endless hole that reminded her of the TV fuzz she had been witnessing on the screen moments prior to being pulled through. Her arms still had the purple vines wrapped around her and seemed to be pulling her down more and more. “Let go of me!” She shouted as she started using her feet to pry herself free. Once her left arm was somewhat free, she yanked it free and smiled at her success. “Nice! Okay, one more arm to go!” With her one arm free, she focused on her trapped one and after a few more attempts, she was able to break free from the vines entirely. “Yes!”

“So, you think you’re clever?”A voice echoed through the void.

The young girl looked around in confusion, trying to find the source of the voice. Was someone here with her? “Huh?”

“I’ll admit, your attempt in escaping me is amusing,” The voice taunted. “You weren’t originally apart of all this, but now that you are, I plan to take full advantage of the situation. I see a great opportunity in your arrival.”

Amy couldn’t get what this voice was saying at all. Opportunity? What on Earth was the voice going on about? And didn’t it sound like- Amy gasped when she recognized it! “You’re-”

Before she could finish, a smaller void seemed to appear and Amy was pulled through at a much more rapid pace than before. She screamed as she fell through the new funnel to end up who-knows-where.

*********************

The next thing Amy knew, she was on what felt to be a carpeted floor. She slowly sat up slightly bonked her head on a bed frame. It wasn’t bleeding or anything, but it still stung to hit your head against metal. “Oww,” She slightly winced as she sat on her knees, trying to keep from watching. As she sat on her knees, she noticed that there was some smoke in the air like a fire had just been put out. What the heck is going on?Amy thought as she went to look around.

“But, that can’t be true, can it?” A voice from behind said.

Amy wasn’t sure what to make of the unfamiliar voice and quickly ducked to the side of the bed closest to the window. Someone was in this room with her.

“You know as well as I do: Hermit Purple says Kakyoin is a traitor, a servant to DIO who will someday betray all of us,” Another voice added to the mix.

Slowly, Amy peaked up over the side of the bed to see who was actually in what she now figured to be a hotel room. As she slowly rose up, she caught a glimpse of what appeared to be two largely built men before she ducked back down in fear. She decided to listen more to what they were saying;

“It can’t be!” The first man growled.

What can’t be?Amy thought.

“There must be a reason!” The second man shouted. “I won’t believe Kakyoin is a traitor!”

Wait, Kakyoin? Now Amy was puzzled. Did she hear him right? Did he say Kakyoin? Slowly, the little girl poked up back up to get a better look. When she got a better look at the men, she silently gasped. Who she found before her were Avdol and Joseph?!

#amy #kyle #mr. armstrong #[amy's arrival]#((feel free to send in questions before pt. 2 drops))#jjba oc #jjba oc blog #origin story time #jjba au #jjba au blog #[blog event]#[written work]#jojo oc #jojo oc blog

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leavesdancing · 5 years

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GoldenEye Meta: Bond and Trevelyan

At the beginning of GoldenEye, James Bond breaks into a chemical weapon facility, hidden inside a dam at Arkhangelsk. He ventures deeper into the complex, finding his way to a dark storeroom. Then, from out of the shadows, a black-clad figure aims a pistol at him, confronting him in angry Russian. “Don’t Move! Where are the others/your friends?” Bond answers calmly, “I’m alone.” The other man steps forward, into the light, saying smoothly in English as his holsters his pistol, “Aren’t we all?” then, “You’re late, 007.”

This is our first introduction to Alec Trevelyan, who we learn is 006.

Bond has come to Arkhangelsk to assist Trevelyan in destroying the facility. It’s obvious from the way they speak to each other and move around each other that they have worked together before and are friends – even good friends. Bond jokes about stopping in the bathroom – where he killed an unexpected guard – and they have their own, private catchphrase: “For England.”

We see Trevelyan following Bond’s lead as they head to the warehouse where the chemicals are stored, even though Trevelyan had been in the facility prior to Bond’s arrival, and presumably was more familiar with the complex. Trevelyan breaks away to coolly kill scientists in a lab while Bond unlocks the warehouse door.

Once in the warehouse, Trevelyan directs Bond to “set timers for six minutes.” Bond acknowledges, and they make their way through the stacks of metal, setting the timers.

Soviet soldiers burst in unexpectedly, and we get some Double O banter. Trevelyan warns, “Closing time, James!” Bond responds with, “Buy me a pint!” Trevelyan kills the soldiers and scoops up their rifles as he runs past. He crosses paths with Bond and tosses a rifle over. Then they’re back setting the rest of their timers. More Soviet soldiers interrupt them, shooting out a window to gain entry into the warehouse. “Close the door, Alec, there’s a draft!” Bond calls. He waits a beat, but there’s no answer. Worried now, he calls out, “Alec?!”

Colonel Ourumov responds, ordering Bond to come out. Bond eases away from the stacks and looks out into the room. Trevelyan is on his knees beside the Soviet colonel, head bowed, a pistol aimed at his head. Bond ducks away and resets the nearest timer. Three minutes. Then he slings the rifle over his shoulder and comes out, hands raised. Trevelyan looks at him, knowing this is it, and there’s no way to get out alive. “Finish the job, James. Blow them all to hell!”

Bond has no time to react. Ourumov kills his fellow agent – his partner, his friend – in front of him. Freed of the responsibility to attempt to rescue Trevelyan, Bond goes to his next priority – escape. The timers are set, the facility will blow. He fights his way free, and takes off in a small airplane with a fireball rising behind him from the exploding facility.

The audience has had an all-too-brief introduction to an interesting character, one of Bond’s fellow agents. We feel his pain and grief at his friend’s death, and sorrow at the waste of a good agent. The waste of a good character, too. The sheer number of possibilities for another Double O! Handsome, competent, deadly – a good match for Bond.

In the movie, it’s nine years later, and the action unfolds. Bond learns of a shadowy figure of the Russian underworld, a man called Janus. He arranges a meeting. Instead, he’s subjected to an attempted murder that he evades. He forces his attacker, Xenia Onatopp, to bring him to Janus. She brings him to Statue Park. It’s dimly lit, with broken statues littering the ground.

Bond makes his way through the rubble, alert for any sign of the man he’s there to meet. A familiar voice calls out, “Hello, James.” Bond stops in his tracks as a figure clad in a dark coat steps out of the shadows and into the light, a move that mirrors the earlier reveal at the beginning of the movie. We share Bond’s disbelief – his hope – as he asks, “Alec?”

We feel Bond’s betrayal when Trevelyan admits to defecting and betraying England. Bond’s uncompromising principles cause him to reject Trevelyan’s motives. Those same principles put the two former friends on opposite sides, and from then on, their main goal is to kill the other – although, at each opportunity, neither can quite do it. Trevelyan leaves Bond avenues to escape, Bond hesitates to shoot Trevelyan. They each let the other live despite attempting to kill the other - until the end, when Bond drops Trevelyan from the satellite dish, ending it all.

In GoldenEye, we have two men who end up enemies after a betrayal. The movie gives us clues to their relationship. They were coworkers, fellow agents, and best friends. Possibly they had a mentor/mentee relationship. There’s no way to assign an age to James Bond – he exists in the eternal now of the movies and books. With GoldenEye, we have events that take place nine years before the main action. This forces time to pass, and we need to assign an age to Bond and Trevelyan. Going by the actors’ ages, Bond would be 33 and Trevelyan 27 in 1986, when the Arkhangelsk mission takes place. Nine years later, in 1995, they are 42 and 36, respectively.

At Arkhangelsk, we see Bond and Trevelyan as good friends. They are familiar with each other, and look as though they have worked together before. They know and trust each other. Bond takes the lead through the facility, even though Trevelyan had been there longer, hinting at a relationship where they are both accustomed to Bond taking charge. We don’t know how long either have been a Double O, or how long they have known each other.

We know Bond was a commander in the Royal Navy, while Trevelyan – if he is Fleming’s unnamed 006 – was a Royal Marine Commando. That gives them a shared military background they can draw on for their friendship. At 33, Bond has presumably been a Double O longer than Trevelyan has, at 27. It’s reasonable to assume, especially given the way Bond takes charge at Arkhangelsk, which was Trevelyan’s mission first, that they have (or had) a mentor/mentee relationship. And we know, from the way Trevelyan talked to Natalya in the train, that he and Bond shared “absolutely everything.”

What went wrong? How did they go from best friends to mortal enemies?

As I discussed in my previous meta, it’s possible that Trevelyan was under orders when he defected during the Arkhangelsk mission. If that’s true, then he would not have expected Bond to blow up the facility while he was still in it. If he had planned to defect – and I still have the same questions of why decide to ally with Colonel Ourumov - why decide to fake his death rather than just kill Bond? And there, we have another hint that the two had a close friendship. Trevelyan deliberately faked his death rather than see Bond killed, even if it would make things easier for him.

Whether or not Trevelyan deliberately betrayed England (and Bond) at Arkhangelsk, Trevelyan definitely felt betrayed by Bond – “the same six minutes you gave me!” – for resetting the timers from six minutes to three, guaranteeing that the facility would blow up. Trevelyan had been lucky to escape, and he’d been severely injured in the process. Bond never returned to Russia after that incident, and apparently Trevelyan never left, so there was no chance for Trevelyan to confront Bond. It never occurred to Bond that Trevelyan might still be alive – and Bond would have assumed, that had Trevelyan somehow survived, the first thing he would do would be to return to England.

For nine years, they each lived with the shadow of Arkhangelsk over them. Bond lived with survivor’s guilt, while Trevelyan felt betrayed by Bond. Neither of them really moved on from that failed mission.

Bond returned to Russia with one thing on his mind despite orders from M – kill Ourumov. Then, confronted with Trevelyan at Statue Park, his goal changes. He’s out to stop his former best friend.

What happens at Statue Park? Trevelyan reveals that he’s alive, and rather than accuse Bond of betrayal at Arkhangelsk, he sounds as though he wants to convince Bond that he’s right to have defected. He doesn’t mention any orders he might have had – after nine years, they wouldn’t mean anything. His argument that they toppled dictators and undermined regimes for no reward seems false, too. Trevelyan was 27 during Arkhangelsk. That seems too young to be that jaded, especially when Bond wasn’t, but it’s certainly possible he became that jaded after the explosion.

Even now, after nine years, Trevelyan still wants Bond’s understanding and approval. When that doesn’t work, when Bond still rejects him, Trevelyan brings out the story of his father’s murder suicide. Bond again rejects him, positioning them as mutual enemies. And that’s the moment when Trevelyan realizes that he’s lost Bond. Trevelyan signals his henchman, and one shoots Bond with a dart.

So, after making sure Bond is knocked unconscious – not killed – Trevelyan has him tied up and dumped in the helicopter Xenia Onatopp had stolen earlier. Bond wakes up to find himself with Nataliya Simonova, the woman that disappeared from Severnaya. There’s just enough time for him to free them both. Is that Trevelyan again, still not able to see Bond killed outright?

Trevelyan seems pleased to learn that Bond survived when Ourumov brings Simonova to him. He also seems to go out of his way to terrify Simonova, sounding almost jealous when he tells her that he and Bond used to share everything.

Then it’s Bond’s turn. He steals a tank(!) and after an epic chase through the city streets – part of it with the statue of a rearing horse riding the tank – manages to get into position in front of Trevelyan’s speeding train. The train rams into the tank, derailing it. Bond boards the train and finds Trevelyan, getting the drop on him, and instead of shooting him, they talk. Even when Ourumov once again brings Simonova in, Bond manages to be just slow enough to allow Trevelyan to get away.

Once more, Bond and Simonova are trapped by Trevelyan. He gets away, yet clearly warns Bond there’s a countdown. If Trevelyan wanted Bond dead, why tell him about the timer? And once again, we have Trevelyan leaving Bond a way out from certain death.

Bond doesn’t care – at this point he’s out to stop Trevelyan, and this time, stopping means death. He’s taking Trevelyan’s betrayal personally. He and Simonova follow Trevelyan’s trail to Cuba, where they discover the hidden satellite dish. Simonova shuts down Trevelyan’s evil (ridiculous!) scheme while Bond and Trevelyan face each other. This time, there’s no going back – no holding back. They’re both out for blood. And yet, Trevelyan still seems to give Bond opportunities to gain the upper hand. At the end, Bond has a chance to save Trevelyan, But for him, it’s no longer “For England.” Now, it’s “For me,” as he lets go, sending Trevelyan falling to his death.

The two former best friends turned into mortal enemies, leading to one’s death at the hands of the other.

Part 1

Part 3

#007 Fest 2019 #teamcivilian #long post

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inkribbon796 · 4 years

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Egotober Day 12: High Flying Adventure

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Prompt: Cloud

Summary: Eric and Illinois go on another adventure, and Illinois finds something a bit more valuable than gold or jewels.

Warnings: none

Interestingly enough, Eric hadn’t been aware that he was afraid of heights. But he was.

Eric and Illinois had snuck out of the city again to go on a little adventure. An adventure to a city that Eric had been too busy watching Illinois as he was explaining the name and history of the place. Seeing Illinois talking about something he loved was always so enthralling.

Then they stepped into a hot air balloon and Eric realized they were taking off the ground, it wasn’t until they got up a certain height that Eric understood why Illinois insisted he bring a sweater. It got colder the higher up they got, the sparse, thin cloud line misting over them.

Illinois was chuckling next to him as Eric screwed his eyes shut and held onto the explorer. “You’re fine sweetheart, I got us.”

The adventurer hadn’t intended the effect of bringing Eric up into the clouds to be that Eric had grabbed onto him, but he certainly wasn’t complaining. However he hugged his shy boyfriend back, “Dulcito, look at me.”

Eric peeked open his eyes to look up at Illinois.

“How can I help you dulcito?” Illinois asked. “You wanna get back on the ground?”

“Don’t you need to be up here?” Eric whimpered.

“Not for much longer, we’ll be on the ground soon,” the adventurer maneuvered so that he could pull on a pair of fire-resistant gloves and take out an almost clear golden orange gemstone. One of his vast collection, sacrificed for a nobler cause.

Illinois managed to convince Eric to sit in the basket so he couldn’t see the ground as Illinois tried to do the ritual almost blindfolded. The last adventuring party had to wait five whole years to get the phase of the sun right. It resulted in the two lead explorers marrying some of the locals and almost giving up to settle down in the area before they were able to actually perform the ritual.

Thankfully with aerial technology, they could skip all that uncertain planning. Illinois took out a laser pointer and tried to angle it, hoping that by some miracle that he was lucky enough to get the angle right.

Even with his normally abnormal luck it took over five minutes to get the angle right. The gem caught fire and disintegrated.

Only then did Illinois start their decent back towards the ground.

“We-We’re go-ing d-own?” Eric looked up at Illinois with huge eyes.

“Yeah, we just—” Illinois smiled and a strong gust of wind hit them, causing Illinois to need to fight to get the balloon under control and back towards the ground.

Eric was the first to leap out of the basket and jump towards the ground as Illinois and another attendant helped secure the balloon down and then Illinois pulled Eric away as another tourist group was scheduled to get into the balloon.

Illinois chuckled a bit when Eric held onto his arm as they walked into a nearby forest. “You sure you’re okay.”

The more timid young man shook his head, “H-H-appy to be on the gr-ound.”

“Got it, got,” Illinois laughed. “No more balloon trips.”

“Y-Yo-ou’re being mean,” Eric complained angrily.

With another chuckle, Illinois stopped to kiss Eric on the top of his head before leading him into the forest, Eric still holding onto his arm.

Illinois lead them deep into the woods where there was a clearing where the ground normal sat with dirt, grass and brush, but in the spread out roots of one of the trees a hole had ripped open in the ground and showed a passageway.

Quickly Illinois tossed down some rocks he’d collected on their walk over before jumping down and then helping Eric down.

Unlike every other excavation he’d ever done, the tunnel led into a small alcove that had a tall stone box that showed every damage, as if something inhuman had clawed and punched at the box. Almost like the creature had been trying to get something out. There were scorch marks against the walls were someone had been attacked and scorched and the wall had been protected from the elements.

But when Illinois walked up to it he could easily pull the empty box open to examine it.

“We’re t-too late?” Eric stammered.

“Oh yeah,” Illinois told him. “Over a hundred years too late. Big expedition team came in to try and deal with a demon that reportedly had impersonated a local spirit, once things were explained to them they were happy to see it gone.”

“Oh, umm, okay,” Eric trailed off, looking nervously at the marks. “So, uh, what made the, uh, marks, there’s n-none inside.”

“So far I don’t like that means anything big,” Illinois promised. “They got the big scary demon out of the area, never bothered the village again. Wait, no, technically not true but he wasn’t intending to harm this place, I don’t think he even remembers this city exists.”

Eric went quiet as Illinois took some pictures, but blushed madly when the adventurer snapped a couple images of Eric and immediately sent them to another file.

“Ills,” Eric complained.

“If my phone’s not full of pictures of your lovely face, sweetie, then I gotta take more,” Illinois grinned.

“Stop it!” Eric’s face was beet red, grabbing onto the front of Illinois’s shirt.

Illinois just laughed before he inclined his head a bit, “Only if you believe me.”

Eric’s smile dropped, and he looked away, “C-Come on, Illy.”

“It’s true,” Illinois reminded and reached over to inspect the inside of the box. Then he took out a necklace, “Okay, let’s dig up some secrets.”

Just watching, Eric took a step back and after a few hushed words in a language that Eric didn’t understand and the whole room exploded. There were almost like flashes of color. Illinois helped Eric out of the hole and they saw a red energy flash, it had a humanoid shape with a black energy mass around it. There were grey figures advancing on them, one of them had light swirls of colors around him and a book in his hand. Suddenly the black mass began shaking and the red figure disappeared. The man with the book had something that made his hand flash in and out of sight. Then the cloud seemed to get sucked into what looked like a large urn and the grey figures moved into the hole. Not too long after the red figure came back and followed the hole.

Illinois said something and the auras dissipated. “Yeah I know how that ends. I was looking for this adventuring group, I needed to make sure it was them.”

“Is it them?” Eric asked.

“Oh yeah,” Illinois smiled and figured that there was just an empty cave with no artifact or anything to steal beside an empty stone box. He figured that if anyone could get it out in the first place when it had nothing to do with the landscape or history, they deserved to have it. “Let’s get you back to town.”

Eric let the conversation drift to another topic and for Illinois take them back to town. He was mostly talking about the local delicacies and some street performers. While Eric was watching a movie that night and Illinois stepped out for what he promised would be ten minutes, and it turned into thirty and he walked back in with a smile and apologized for it taking so long.

Illinois took them to what seemed like a pub, they were talking and ordering food and then when someone Illinois was waiting for he got up to go stand by the bar.

“Ahh, Mr. Philly,” the man smiled as he walked up. “Still here I see.”

“Course, Sig,” Illinois smiled. “You have my report?”

“Yes, if you have my payment, it was hell-a-half digging them out,” he warned.

“A word of warning,” the man leaned closer. “I’m not sure your boss would want you bringing these guys back to his place.”

“Thanks,” Illinois evaded.

Quickly the notebook and money were exchanged and the man left to grab himself a drink as Illinois walked back over to the table where Eric was sitting. It was a nice, guarded place, Illinois was proud that his boyfriend had learned a lot from him.

They ordered something to eat and Illinois hunkered down to read the journal, setting aside a few old pictures to examine them later as he read the accounts of the adventurer who went around “witch hunting” and that term got an eye roll out of Illinois.

Eric was flipping through the pictures and smiled, “Aww, wh-what a cute little kid.”

Illinois looked over to see a team of twenty men and almost right in the center was what looked like a three-year-old boy. He had an oversized safari hat that matched the other men, except he had a huge smile plastered to his face. The man standing next to him had a rather stern expression with a bushy mustache.

Taking the photo he saw the picture was dated 1894, winter. “Guess he is,” Illinois agreed, already having a bit of a suspicion who the kid was.

Illinois smiled, “Hey, dulcito, wanna hear a secret?”

“S-Sure?” Eric said uneasily.

The adventurer pointed to the small kid, “That is a very young Warfstache.”

“No,” Eric gasped, leaning in. “Bu-But he’s s-so small. Is Dark in th-the picture?”

Illinois scanned back over the picture, “Nah, don’t think so.”

Eric thought for a second, “Are there any baby pi-pictures of D-ark?”

“Ehh, there’s probably a cave wall somewhere with some black paint on it,” Illinois joked.

They ate their food, went back to their hotel and after sleeping in a bit, started heading back to Egoton. Illinois reading through the journal and finding some pretty interesting spells. Each one for containing spirits and demons, and Illinois that Dark would want to take a look at that.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Scene I sadly had to cut:

Wilford and Actor Mark’s father: Okay so we’ve got the dangerous demons that we’ve been trying to track down for years, team. Bad news, that vase we put it in won’t hold the powerful one. So I’m asking for some suggestions.

Damien and Celine’s father: we could bind it to your house. That gaudy thing should contain it.

Wilford and Actor Mark’s father: No I— how dare you! First off, me and my family live there. Second, I am not binding a demon to a house. My very well designed and decorated mansion.

Damien and Celine’s father: we can either bind it to your house or it’ll escape from mine with all my magical artifacts.

Wilford and Actor Mark’s father: shit!

(And then they put the Entity in the House)

#Superhero AU #Masks and Maladies #Egotober2020 #Markiplier #Illinois the Adventurer #ahwm Illinois #Eric Derekson #Ericilly #magic #part two of Illinois’s family investigation #Illinois is a good boy to Eric

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brujeria-histeria · 5 years

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Best Mates

Harry meets up with his Friend who he hasn’t seen in years. Hacy of course.

Packing was all done, now it was time to say goodbye for the long weekend. Maggie double checked his checklist and checked his clothes, Mel suggested the best coffee shops in the area according to her friend in that city and Macy... well sweet Macy baked him a sweet send off treat and gave him a thermos full of his favorite piping hot tea, with a blush. She had learned well from his tea lesson tutelage.

Harry was going to Seattle for the extended weekend to do important whitelighter business. He was only comfortable going making sure each of his charges pinky swore to call him immediately should any problem they could not face alone arised. He was excited himself because he’d be seeing an old friend he hadn’t seen in a couple of decades. Louis Aznavour Jordan, a french born whitelighter who had been his partner in crime for a long time.

Louis’s charges were often connected or close to his charges, up until he was assigned Fiona. They had many adventures together and in whitelighter years Louis was 10 years his senior, although they both died at the age of 37, Louis was born in 1910, whereas Harry was born in 1920. With country pride an all that, some wouldn’t think a Frenchman and an Englishman would get along so splendidly but they did. Louis was a dashing man, of course with an air of old fashioned charm and the handsome face to match, he had wavy slightly lighter brown hair than Harry, but was the same height as him and some would mistake them as cousins.”

After hugging each the girls goodbye, a kiss on the cheek from Maggie and squeezing Macy a little extra tight after he heard her breathe him in, he snapped his fingers and made it to a “checkpoint” in an alleyway and then emerged from it hailing a cab to his hotel. He got all checked in and made his way to the meeting spot in a reserved restaurant and looked around eagerly for Louis.

“GREENWOOD!” He heard that distinct voice yell across a room full of Whitelighters.

“JORDAN!” they shook hands and embraced warmly. “Good to see you old chap.” Harry smiled.

“Likewise Mon Amie. Look at you, Whitelighter to the Charmed ones! I’m proud of you.” he praised him honestly. The pair continued to compliment and catch up on their way to a table where they ordered tea and finger sandwiches.

“So, what’s it like serving the Charmed ones?” Louis leaned in. “I heard they are very cute young ladies.” Harry grew uncomfortable at his words, not because Louis was being offensive, because they were ......cute and Macy in particular made him blush a lot with how......cute... she was.

“Louis please, have some respect.” he blushed.

“What? Word gets around, I heard they’re very talented and smart too. The youngest one wants to be what a psychiatrist, the middle one is almost a professor herself and the oldest one a doctor. Jackpot of charges.” he said sipping his water. “My current charge, bless his heart, is wants to go live in Salem to feel his ancestors before him, yet the boy is too scared to drive.”

“I don’t blame him, people drive worse today than back in our day.” Harry replied. “And yes, I have great girls, they’re Darlings, mischievous and hard headed, but Darlings.”

“Aren’t they all, hard headed and conniving?” Louis laughed.

“Mmm,” Harry hummed sipping his tea “Maggie the youngest one, truly is the definition of a younger sister, if it weren’t for the fact I’m almost 100 years old I’d swear she’s mine, she’s an angel but uses her big doe eyes to get her way when I won’t budge, she’s still compassionate and huge sweetheart and all she wants to do is help, she’s wise in her own ways.”

“Children, always made you a softie.” Louis chuckled,

“She’s 19 but yes in relativity to me, a child.” he scoffed. “Mel is the middle child, she’s hard headed and headstrong but I respect the hell out of that girl and she’s very smart, she takes no mess from anyone, not even me but she’s still so sweet when she doesn’t think anyone notices, she’s gained that aspect of kindness from her mother.”

“Mmm sounds like my old charge Randie, remember her?” Louis asked, not particularly needing an answer.

“Macy is the eldest and she’s...wonderful. She’s insanely smart, her I.Q. is impressively high. She’s a scientist, she went off to college at 16, you know.” Harry praised, and Louis noticed a shift in Harry’s demeanor. “She loves to bake and do nerdy little awkward things like watch corny 90s tv shows. And she’s so strong, she mastered her power in almost no time.”

“Hm,” Louis stared intently at Harry, who had a small smile grace his lips. “You have a crush on her don’t you?”

“What??” Harry whipped his head up. “I, I do not, Louis, don’t be ridiculous.” he scoffed.

“Greenwood I have known you since 1965, and I know how you look when you meet a girl you fancy and I know how you look when you meet a girl you really really fancy. And right now it looks like you really really fancy the eldest.” Louis said biting his sandwich nonchalantly.

“I, well, um, well you know I can’t...” Harry sighed, there was no use in lying to Louis. They’d both known each other through each other’s relationships, even his relationship with Charity “Its not like I can actually date her, Louis, yes she’s gorgeous and smart, but she’s my actual charge and I’m.... like an old man compared to her. I was alive well before she was thought of.” Harry slouched in his seat.

Louis understood Harry’s apprehension of course, Harry never dated a charge, not only was it against the rules but Harry for the most part would date around with mortal non magical women until it was time to move onto the next charge, well until he met Charity.

“Harry, mon amie, if you go through your whole whitelighter lifespan worried about a fully grown adult woman being in diapers in the 80s or afterwards, you’ll never get laid again.” Louis sipped his tea a matter of factly, “My rule is 30 or older. Never younger personally. We feel, things Harry. Unless you want to be celibate you don’t have to be. We need love in our lives too, you know as well as I do our lives can be lonely, when you go home to your bed at night and there’s no wife or husband... no kids interrupting your sleep to climb in bed with you, if you’re lucky the least you could get is a cat or a dog... we’ve had all these things before probably... why should we be loveless servants, we’re more than that, and there are no elders around anymore. We’re free to love who we want.”

“Thank you Louis, but I don’t know if she really wants me in the same way I want her.”

“Take time to feel her out, does she act differently around you, spend time with you outside of magic training and demon hunting?”

“Well... she bakes me special treats, we have tea time and tv show bingeing together, we cook together, we listen to the opera together, sometimes the crystals that are brung into her lab for testing will be very old and the ones she finds as old as 1920 she names them after me, like Harry the 3rd.” Harry mused, a smile forming.

“When did you first get a crush on her?” Louis had never seen his friend so happy.

“Mmm, probably after I first met her, and got to know her, and how she used science to solve problems along with magic. Of course I wasn’t head over heels, I fancied her a bit, but she was into another man at the time which eventually didn’t work out..”

“Well, mon amie, I say go for it. It sounds like she may be sweet on you back. I love to meet your amour and the other Charmed sisters one day.”

“I think when i get back I’m going to ask to spend more time with her. I hope you meet them too, and I hope you fall in love like I have.” Harry sighed.

“I did, but you didn’t like me back.” Louis winked.

“Hush up, you cheeky man.” Harry laughed

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Louis’s name is based on one of the two french actors/entertainers I know and I like them alot Louis Jordan and Charles Aznavour. I described him to kinda look like Louis Jordan though with Charles’s curly hair. Also I know more German than French and I’m not really good at Deutsche either lol

#hacy

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