Tumgik
#if sunny does this further down the line of their relationship he might just go down on her right then and there-
Text
Desiderium
Anon request:
Part two of Drowning.
Wordcount: 1.2K+
Description: It was selfish to leave as well, but you needed to go, you needed the help, but you missed Timmy. After time away, maybe it was time to talk to him.
A/N: This is probably the most request part two I have ever gotten. I am so glad so many people enjoyed the first part, this one doesn’t have a complete happy ending, as it is a bit opened ended, but if you want another part, let me know.
Warning:  bit of Angst, crying, fluff
Tumblr media
Fresh air and sunshine. People always say it does the body well, you never believed them, but spending the last two months on the sunny coast at a beach house did wonders for your emotional and mental state.
Well, that and the therapist you started seeing. You were unhappy, depressed, and overwhelmed and fought against getting help. You were drowning, but it was because you wanted to drown.
Grief does weird things to people. Drowning was easier than getting better, because getting better, in your mind, meant forgetting and being happy even though your child was gone, but you learned that getting better, and working through grief wasn’t forgetting it was persevering and pushing through to live for the lost person. Grieving was proof of your love and living through it was moving on, carrying them forever with you.
You felt silly sometimes thinking about how far you had sunk to the bottom of the ocean. Watching the waves wash over you and pulling you further away from shore, deeper under the surface.
But your therapist said it was normal. Your grief was grief and a lot of people struggled. She said the best part of sinking to the bottom was the ocean was there was only one way to go from there and that was up.
So you swan, slowly, sometimes falling back down, but you were better. Floating on the surface hearing the calls of the birds, breathing for the first time in months. It was like a fog suddenly retreating and a rainbow appearing.
You spent a lot of time outside, just breathing in the air. It wasn’t New York air, that no matter how much you loved it, was heavy. You missed New York, you missed your home, your friends, and more importantly, you missed Timmy.
A lot of your time was spent thinking about him. How he was probably grieving still and not just Henri, but your relationship. For all your progress with grief, the years you spent with him was not something you were ready to grieve, because you had hoped it would be repaired.
You held your phone in your hand staring at his number. He was a phone call away, it was nothing to press the button and put the phone to your ear. Yet, you couldn’t do it. You hurt him both when you were there and by leaving. 
The biggest fear was he didn’t want to hear from you. That he was upset, or maybe he was secretly happy that you left and were doing well. You heard his play was a massive hit and he was getting rave reviews. So you thought to leave him alone. Allow him the freedom you gave him when you walked out of the house that day.
Laying on the beach you broke, and called him. The phone rang. Once, twice, then you hung up. Your heart became a caged bird, fighting to be set free. You can’t believe you did that. You dropped your phone in the sand, rubbing your hands over your face.
The phone rang. Someone was calling you, you knew who and couldn’t do anything but stare for a few seconds before your hand, with a mind of its own, reached out and answered the call.
“Mon Coeur,” Timmy breathed down the line. So soft if the phone wasn’t as harshly pressed against your ear you might not have heard him.
“Timmy,” you replied just as softly.
There was silence for a few minutes. You thought for a moment he hung up and just when you started to debate if you should or not, he spoke again.
“How are you? Are you well?”
“I’m good, really good. I feel better,” you said. Then you laughed softly. “I almost forgot what it felt like to feel well. To wake up every morning looking forward to my day.”
“That’s amazing. I’m so happy for you. I was worried.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have worried you. I should have texted or called. I just thought you wouldn’t want to hear from me?”
“Why wouldn’t I? I wanted to hear from you the moment you left. You’re my family, just because you left didn’t mean I stopped caring about you.”
“Right. I’m sorry, I was selfish in leaving and then cutting you out of my life, well I basically did that before I left.”
“Hey stop it. You are allowed to be selfish when you were hurting like that. I thought… I thought I would come home one day to a must worse scene.” It broke his heart when you left, but the fear he had of coming home to you dead scared him every day. After you left it was the fear of getting a dreaded call something happened to you.
When he saw you were calling, he was filled with complete joy and dread, in the end, he had to know why you were calling and called you back. Timmy was glad he called back, hearing your voice after so long was a blessing.
“Still. I am better and know I treated you unfairly. You were grieving, trying to get better yourself, and take care of me. I was no help and I’m sorry, I wish I was a shoulder for you to cry on when you needed it.”
He was silent before he sighed. “We can change the past, but it does mean a lot to hear you say that. I’m so glad you were better.”
“How are you, Timmy?”
“I’m better too. I didn’t realize how much I was still hurting until you were gone, so I am seeing someone for that and I’m happy.”
“You deserve.”
A broken sob answered you.
“Timmy?” You asked worriedly.
“I’m sorry. Fuck, I didn’t. Fuck, I’m sorry.” His voice was muffled as he covered the phone to silence his tears.
“Timmy. Talk to me.”
“I am happy, but fuck, there is still a hole in my chest, in my whole body. Where you belong. I love you so much, Y/n.”
Tears streamed down your face. “I miss you too. I’m so sorry for hurting you and leaving. I’m sorry. I’ve been dreaming about you though. You know how we always talked about getting a home in France? I had a dream we did, we spend half the year there. Had a wedding there,” you said, through tears.
“God I want that, so badly,” he whispered.
“I do too.”
“I want to see you.”
“I’m in Florida”
“What?”
You chuckled, wiping your tears. “I needed to get out of NY and I don’t know, Florida jumped out at me.
“You hate Florida,” he laughed.
“Well, I guess I like it a bit more now. It isn’t all bad.”
“I’m happy for you.”
“I’m coming back to NY next week. I think it’s time. I miss working, I had an audition.”
“Really? Back to work? Are you excited?” He wanted to ask if you were ready for it, but he knew you wouldn’t have thought about taking a role unless you were more than confident in yourself.
“Yes, I missed the subway, meeting with directors, reading scripts, just I missed living.”
“Can I see you when you get back?”
“Yeah, I would like that. When are you free.”
“Whenever you wanted to meet. Hell, I’ll pick you up from the airport,” he chuckled.
You chuckled,” How about dinner? Monday night, 8? We can go to Toni’s?
“There is nothing more I am looking forward to seeing you and having crazy bread.”
“Which one are you looking forward to more?” You teased, digging your feet in the sand.
“The bread of course.”
                                  Taglist.
@gatoenlaciudad​
108 notes · View notes
sleepingdeath-light · 6 months
Text
relationship hcs ; espresso cookie
Tumblr media
requested by ; anonymous (02/09/23)
fandom(s) ; cookie run
fandom masterlist(s) ; hub | specific
character(s) ; espresso cookie
outline ; “Can you perhaps write a Espresso Cookie being in a relationship HC’s for all please?
Thank you 🤍 (:”
warning(s) ; none, just fluff!
espresso cookie spends most of his life working and researching coffee magic, which means that the time he has to spend with you is very minimal — that being said, once your relationship becomes official he starts to actually take some time off, booking one or two days off at a time and arranging them around your schedule so that you have some time to go on dates and do other couple activities outside of spending time together in the mornings, evenings, and occasionally at lunch time when he has an hour free due to a cancelled meeting or you stopping by the academy to surprise him
due to his packed schedule he rarely has the time to go further than chaste kisses with you (usually in the form of pecking your lips, cheeks, or on your temple before he goes to work), of course he does still have some moments of passion here and there that never fail to surprise you and leave you speechless
he doesn’t have the time or patience to entertain anyone that isn’t you, especially not if they’re being cruel towards you or undermining your relationship — either situation will result in him becoming incredibly short with them, snapping at them and insulting them in the most personal ways he can think of just to get them to back off (if they’re being cruel to you this means him outright humiliating them without ever bringing you up as to keep you out of drama, and if they’re flirting with him this means him blatantly shutting them down and making it clear that he’s happily taken and has no interest in them)
whenever he gets jealous he makes no effort to hide his dislike for the offending person, going from his general shortness to outright meanness as he addresses them — not afraid to belittle or talk over them until they leave, at which point he’ll turn to you and act as if nothing happened (even asking if you’re free to go on a walk with him since his schedule has suddenly been freed up for the next half hour)
if you give him a more flirty compliment like calling him ‘hot’ then he’s not going to give much of a response, only blankly staring at you for a few moments before slowly blinking and thanking you blandly before going back to work (he doesn’t really do verbal affirmations in general, but he also isn’t the type to get flustered by them)
the moment he sees you after a long day of teaching and study, you’ll be able to notice his demeanour shifting (even if others might not be able to tell the difference) — he’s still tired, of course, but he physically relaxes a bit and his tone becomes less harsh as he greets you (it’s not much, he’s too worn out for big gestures after all, but it’s more than enough for you)
your contact name in his phone is literally just your relationship status and it gets updated as your relationship evolves (e.g. ‘partner’ -> ‘fiancé/fiancée’ -> ‘spouse’)
his ideal date would be something that’s quiet and peaceful and slow — a stroll through a park on a sunny day when everyone else is working, evenings spent indoors watching/rewatching your favourite films/series, or cold winter mornings spent curled up in front of a cracked-open window in big woollen jumpers whilst cradling steaming cups of your favourite hot drinks (him, coffee, and you, whatever your preference is)
espresso cookie shows his love for you by memorising all of the little things about you that most people wouldn’t even notice: your usual drink order, your favourite songs, lines from your favourite books that you’ve highlighted and revisited a hundred times over, quotes from your favourite films that you exchange with your friends during phone calls in the middle of the night when all of you should be sleeping, the name of your childhood stuffed toy that you pretend you haven’t kept all these years, etc.
19 notes · View notes
mythvoiced · 3 years
Text
Tumblr media
@storieswrote​ | a kiss on the corner of the mouth. (sunho) spots to kiss
---
She’s unfamiliar in her weight on his chest, not quite the way he knows her weight on his heart - an odd thing to say, considering the location of those two things overlap.
He’s imagined things like these, not naive enough to negate such thoughts, not holy enough to pretend that people are devoid of them entirely. But it’s different, with her breath ghosting and twirling in the air there where it can so easily mix with his, with her fingers pushed into the fabric of his shirt and somehow deeper and beyond, as if claws trying to rip into his chest and take what has been long promised to them - his heart, beating ever so stubbornly.
The reality is... well, as expected, better. Because nothing can beat the actual sensation, of her lips, soft as he’s not quite had to taste them yet, as they brush against his skin, past his own, as if wanting to tease, or perhaps only daring a step of this size, rather than the larger one they will be taking any minute now.
It’s also better because his mind can never hope to satisfy the image of her, the sound of her voice, or the very essence of her presence near him, when she stands in his personal space, when she does so on purpose, when there is no room for either of them to find an excuse to justify the proximity.
But the reality of the image can bring its flaws, mostly one, actually, one downside that he can’t stomach, that makes him act: if this is real, if this is what she wants, how can he be expected to not ask for more? How can he stand there, now, and not exhale through his nose, as his gaze drills into hers, as his hand finds her jaw.
He doesn’t want to hold her, he doesn’t want to keep her, he doesn’t want to stop her, he doesn’t want to do anything that she might not want, or cross a line etched beyond the one they had already crossed. But he wants to... he wants to...
He wants to gently watch his thumb caress her skin, he wants to lean back to get enough space to watch her properly, and he wants to stare at her lips, so she may see this for what it is: an opening, to push him away, or allow him in.
“Not like that... Please.”
2 notes · View notes
anonthenullifier · 3 years
Note
Alright, my headcanon/prompt that's been living in my mind rent free is the idea that Vision doesn't buy Wanda flowers, he buys her vases with sprouts on them, new life ready to grow. When he first heard of people gifting each other flowers he didn't fully understand why you would kill something, and make your loved one watch it slowly wilt away, when you could get them something they'd help survive. After watching so many loved ones die, I just think Wanda would be really touched to help something live and grow (just like her love for him blossoming)
I love this head canon so much. So damn much! I’ve written a story before (It’s About Thyme) that has them planting a garden and nurturing it as a way to mirror their relationship so to say I like to think about them with plants is an understatement. And then your gorgeous head canon looks at it in a way I never thought about and it’s perfect. Thank you for sharing it!
Here’s a little fic that came to mind as I was reading your ask. I hope you like it!
To say Vision is perplexed would be an understatement. Which is itself surprising because he has come to a tentative theory that to be human is to be irrational, and yet this, this crosses a line of reasoning he cannot begin to fathom. Typically he would have Wanda here to volley his concerns towards and to then explain in however many examples and phrasings that it takes for him to understand. Except he is here covertly, under the expert opinion of Sam, to procure a token of affection for all that Wanda provides him. Which brings him to a standstill of indecision waltzing along with a niggling horror at all the implications.
Luckily for him, he hopes, there is a sales associate close by. “Pardon me?” The man turns towards him, brown apron emblazoned with stitched on daisies and a name tag that reads Samuel, a fitting name since the other Samuel in Vision’s life suggested this course of questionable action. “I was advised that purchasing and gifting flowers is a socially appropriate way to convey affection.”
Samuel’s eyes squint for half a second, a common reaction whenever Vision goes out in public. “Uh, yeah. What does your special um,” this scanning over of Vision’s body is also common, uncomfortable, but he does his best to act unperturbed otherwise it might stoke potential fear into ire from his observer, “individual like? We’ve got roses, carnations, lilies, daisies, asters. Anything float your boat?”
If this decision were a boat it would be taking on waves at the moment. “But all of these have been removed from their roots.”
“Yeah, kinda the whole point of making a bouquet.”
The sass is not appreciated but Vision believes in remaining polite because the attitude of the man could be compounded with mistreatment from other customers or negative life events and not solely due to Vision’s inquiry. “Does that not mean they will wilt and die?”
Samuel does not share the distaste for this thought, a simple shrug and a rather unhelpful piece of advice given, “They all come with flower food, helps them stay fresh a bit longer.”
“I see.” Vision determines this issue may be best cogitated alone, so he sends a polite, tight lipped smile towards the man, “Thank you, Samuel.”
“Yep.”
The man leaves and Vision continues his stare down with the beautifully variegated display case in front of him. The differing colors and petal shapes form a kaleidoscope of awe, one that feels romantic and wispy and desirable. Except they will all wilt, the petals will curl up and fall to the ground, and within a week it will be in the trash. His love is not so brief, so fragile and he is perplexed as to why he would present Wanda with a token that cannot survive. Would it not imply his love will fade? That he will, even if fed her own love and passion and attention, eventually fall away from her? Even if she were to dry them out, like he has seen Laura do at the Barton farmhouse, it would require her to keep them someplace safe and to never touch them, the lifeless remnants too delicate and brittle for anything other than distant observation—a poor metaphor for his intended message.
Wanda has endured so much already, the memories as vivid as the Tiger Lily in front of him, days of listlessness and tears, evenings brimming over with invasive memories of all the deaths and all the pain, the only salves he could offer were strong arms and gentle reassurances. Why would he gift her something that will also die? Provide a further suggestion that her life must always be dictated by loss? Why would anyone, rational or not, believe temporal brevity a better show of love than something lasting?
Vision turns away from the bouquets, prepared to leave the store and find somewhere quiet to reassess his gift. It is this defeated swivel that brings a small display into his view, one tucked away as if it was an afterthought. On it are simple clay pots of various sizes, bags of potting soil heaped on the ground next to it, and a little table top rotating kiosk of seed packets awaiting to be planted and nurtured into a long and beautiful life. Vision’s lips curl up at the new idea in his head.
————
There is a subtle chime to her left, in the general vicinity of her door. It is the closest he ever gets to a knock. Wanda puts her book down and waits for the unmistakable gleam of vibranium and the glow of Vision’s phasing to come through the wall located mere inches from her fully functioning door. “Hey Vizh.”
He pauses, irises twisting rapidly to the left and lips puckered as if he’s been caught doing something wrong. Which would be not using her door and yet he still persists and still always makes this face, and it’s a welcome joy in her day. “Good afternoon, Wanda.” Unlike usual, his hands remain behind his back, pulling the threads of his synthetic sweater into a tension similar to his body. “I, um, brought you something.”
Hoping to ease his nerves, she shuffles to the side a bit and then pats the mattress, inviting him to come over and haltingly lower himself to the bed, body remaining twisted to hide whatever it is. “What is it?”
Slowly he brings his arms into view and in his right hand is a clay pot with a little seed packet inside, all wrapped up in a red bow, and in his left is clenched a small bag of soil. Wanda shares her gratitude with a smile, scarlet twining around the gifts and bringing them to her hands to inspect them closer. “I had been informed by a trusted associate that flowers are considered the socially acceptable gift for conveying affection.”
Gently, soothingly she offers a minor correction, knowing he doesn't like to be embarrassed by misinterpreting social advice. “Usually they mean a bouquet.”
A grave nod accompanies his, “I am aware.” Vision lifts his hand, waving it around to help usher out the full story, “But it seemed incongruous to provide you a fleeting gift for a sentiment that is not so,” he hesitates, maybe because he realizes the implication himself or because he can see it in the growing smile on her face, either way he’s committed to the admission of how long he sees this new relationship going and she’s hoping he won’t back down now. And he doesn’t, even if he stammers through it. “brief. I would rather my affections be shown in an appropriately long lasting form.”
Experiencing the fascinating way his mind works is always a pleasure and, due to listening to him and learning the way he thinks and feels, she understands it perfectly, feels a deep, warming thankfulness at this chance to play a hand in allowing something to live and grow, a chance she’s been denied so much before. Wanda ropes him closer with her powers and firmly plants a kiss to his nervous smile. “Thank you.” She unwraps the bow and studies the picture of a happy sunflower, a little confused. “I didn’t think these were indoor plants.”
“Oh well,” now that an explanation that is not tied to emotions is needed, he loosens up, “they are meant to be started and nurtured indoors and then, once large enough, can be moved outside or to a greenhouse.”
“Do we have a greenhouse here?”
Vision considers this, lips parted as his thoughts tick away. “Well no, but it could be enjoyable to convert one of the older equipment sheds into such a structure so we could have a year round garden.”
This simple gift blossoms into something bigger, something rooted in a hope for a future together. “I think it would be fun.”
“Yes,” Vision slips back into a slight, carefully paced cadence, “I selected this particular flower because it is often symbolic of adoration, loyalty and um,” he acts as if his actions have not already made it clear, as if his words should be a surprise, one he isn’t certain she’ll like, “longevity.”
Wanda offers a sunny smile, hoping to sear away any question as to her appreciation and reciprocal feelings, “I love it.” An equally exuberant curve forms on his lips. “Want to help me plant it?”
His instantaneous and joyful, “Of course,” is all it takes to settle them into a path towards a life and love they’ll nurture together.
61 notes · View notes
dreamties · 3 years
Text
Slashers x S/O in a LDR
A/n- Oh, anon! Same hat! Same hat! I’ve considered making something like this a few times, I was so happy to finally make them!! :D
I’m currently working on stuff for Randy Meeks, Kurt Kunkle, and Lester Sinclair- but if there’s still a character you wanted but don’t see here? Feel free to let me know, and I’d be glad to whip something up for them, as well!
Characters: Billy/Stu and Norman Bates
T/W: mostly fluff with a side of abandonment and mommy issues. and some swearing? (is damn a swear word? I used it a lot)
Billy Loomis & Stu Macher
Word  Count: 992
Y’all met in high school- the three of you practically inseparable. But then college happens- and you would’ve loved to stay with Billy and Stu, but the sort of situation arises where you can’t possibly turn away the opportunity. It would be such a mistake, especially for the line of work you’d like to be in. 
And now you may be thinking, Stu’s family is rich rich, right? Couldn’t they just,, buy they’re way in, so you didn’t have to part? Well...I guess they could? These boys aren’t afraid to take what they want, no matter what that entails- but I feel like there might be a lost sense of pride buying their way in. 
...plus...they may or may have not tried...and the school definitely did not accept that shit.
So with that, the three of you end up at different colleges- well, Billy and Stu are at the same place but...you’re so far away 🥺🥺
You’re still in California- but you’re far enough away that they can’t do one to two day trips to see you. It still hurts so much to be apart from them though- especially since both of these boys are so, hmm how to put it...they’re very affectionate and needy (while that last bit may be more so Stu, Billy still fits the Bill on that one).
You only visit each other on holidays and during the summer- and you always stay much longer for the summer.
When Stu sees you again, the first thing he does is wrap you in the biggest, almost suffocating hug- Billy trailing close behind him, laughing at his antics. He basically holds on to you for the entire ride from the airport back to the house (depending on who’s visiting who- but you’ll often come back to Woodsboro, and stay with Stu). 
They think about you all the time when you’re gone. It’s kind of nuts. They’ve got so many other things going on in their lives- they’re still participating in Ghostface murders, they’ve got college and Real jobs ((Stu doesn’t even need a job, but he likes staying close with Billy and having something to do !! He doesn’t like staying by himself too much :(  )) and even with all that? You still end up worming your way into their brains. Collective brainrot over you lmao /j
You call each other everyday- or every other day if schedules are tight. The good thing is...is y’all are both in Cali !! There are no stupid time zones, y’all don’t gotta worry about that >:( 
They want to make sure they know everything that’s been going on with you- even if it’s some boring class, it’s totally worth it just to hear you talk.
There’s lot of them telling you all the things they want to do to/with you when they finally see you. It’s all about the heavy yearning folks. The ache that you feel when you realize you can’t do that right now. And not for a long time. 
You just want to stay with your boys, cuddled on the couch, watching B-rated slasher films. You want to look them in their pretty, perfect eyes, and let your fears and worries melt away, while you tell them how much you love and missed them. And to finally feel your boys’ hairs through your fingers again.
And the crashing, sudden realization, after they drop you off at the airport- and you have your drawn out, tearful goodbyes...the kind you see in movies- that you won’t see them again. Not like that, at least. And not for months. It was back to counting down the days again. Being thankful for every little moment you had with them- and every call, and every weird text message they sent. Allowing every soft, intimate moment away from each other to guide you back home.
Billy’s not great at dealing with his emotions...especially in positive ways. The relationship can definitely be super hard on him, even if he doesn’t really show it. It brings up a lot of his abandonment issues with his mom :( Having you go off to college is losing part of his support system, and it physically pains him to not see you in Woodsboro. You’re part of his little found family with him and Stu. And when you’re not there? Sometimes it feels like he’s lost you. that you’re not coming back from school, and you’re going to have left for good. Which is not true at all, and he knows that...but god damn is it hard to not listen to that dark, nagging voice sometimes. 
And for Stu? He doesn’t mind as much. He doesn’t share this same trauma involved with it that Billy seems to have. But it still hits him in all the wrong places. He’s more likely to show his true emotions than Billy. And that’s actually really good !! He’s able to properly communicate with you whats going, where he’s at with things. 
It can be kind of exhausting trying to translate Billy’s feelings to you- for all parties involved. Or Billy, who’s learned a certain way to communicate that works, and then having to find a new way that makes sense over text and phone calls. Since you can’t see all his body language, and the way he tenses up when he’s filled with Big Emotions. 
TLDR; dealing w/ emotions is tough, doing it via limited technology is harder :(
and y’all know it’s tough on each other- but like hell you’re not gonna make it work with each other. Y’all are meant to be, even if the relationship is in a bit of an odd spot right now. 
You always have to remind the boys that this is only temporary. just until your 4+ years of schooling is over, and then you can move back to Woodsboro. Then you’ll have all the time in the world to plan your lives together.
Norman Bates 
Word Count: 784 
You meet Norman at his motel. You’re just passing through, on your way to a gathering with some of your family. He’s a little odd, but such a gentleman, that you make a note to stay at his motel on the way back home, as well.
Norman’s completely enamored by you, and you say “I’ll see you soon” that first time, he can nearly feel his heart skip a beat. He’s a smiling, happy little mess about it. You wanted to come back here, for him? He can’t wait for it.
Part of him was worried you wouldn’t come back, and that part of him was very scared- but you were so genuine, he could tell you’d be back. For real.
He still finds himself surprised, when a few days later you’re back there. When you leave, you give him your home phone number and address. Letting him know if he was ever going through your town, and he needed a place to stay that...well...he was always welcome at yours.
Y’all aren’t even dating at this point, but you definitely felt this spark- this connection- when you met. It was unlike anything the two of you had ever felt before. So...your relationship starts off slow. It builds overtime. 
It had been a few weeks since you met- with Norman’s work at the motel and whatever work you do, it was hard to find time between it all- but you’re finally able to start weekly phone calls with each other. Catching up with each other, asking him about the motel, and his hobbies...he’s so thrilled when you talk to him about the taxidermy! Not many folks are very er...into it. So it’s a nice surprise for him that the person he likes...cares about what he likes.
Further into y’all’s relationship, the weekly calls will turn into twice a week and sometimes and slowly, slowly melt into sending letters with each other as much as you can. Every few weeks or so, you’d get the sweet pleasure of seeing Norman’s simple letter in your mailbox. Smiling as you spot your name in his nice, neat handwriting.
Often you’ll include clippings from articles or magazines that reminded you of him, and little photos of yourself, your family (and pets if you have any) and critters, and bugs and shots of nature. He loves the ones you send of birds and trees the most- but he keeps every single one you send him. He has a whole drawer full of your letters.
A while into exchanging letters, the two of you begin signing off every one with an “I love you”. It’s not until you see each other in person again that you fully realize your feelings. I mean, they were always there- but it took the pair of you an impossibly long to speak it out loud- to make it official. 
It had been just under a year since you met- and you’re finally back at the Bates motel. There’s no special reason, you’re not seeing family, per se. But you’re starting something you should have started ages ago. Every part of your being is teeming with nervous excitement- what if you had read the letters all wrong? Every I love you, meant as friends?
You're quick to let him know of your arrival- he’s surprised, he didn’t expect you and you wrap each other in a large hug. You don’t let go for sometime, and when you finally do, you still clutch on to his smooth, slender hands. You lean into him, “I’ve missed you.” He looks at you with soft, shiny eyes, lost in your own. You press a subtle kiss to his lips, and pull away soon after. You feel your face get hot, and you can only imagine that Norman’s face would be bright pink.
He doesn’t say anything at first, simply squeezing your hands. “I did, too,” he smiles. It’s so delicate, and you can’t help but hold his face in your hands- studying every little detail. Of course, he sent you photos of himself from time to time- but it wasn’t the same.
The week that you spend with him is magical. When you leave you already find yourself missing the time you had with him- but you suppose that feeling and the wait to see Norman- was worth it. Plus, you still had the phone calls and all the letters with I Love You in them. Besides, with time, you’d be back at his motel- or he’d finally take you up on your offer, and you could finally spend a sunny morning, lazing around cuddled with each other in your bed, in your town.
207 notes · View notes
chenziee · 3 years
Text
Dine and Dash (chapter 1)
[Read on AO3 or under the cut]
Can you believe it's been 11 years since Ace was saved from Marineford? Yeah, me neither. Still feels like fucking yesterday. So happy they managed save him in the end :) #ForeverInDenial
I took the opportinity of the anniversary of chapter 574 being published to finally write the obligatory Everybody is alive and nothing hurts AU that we all deserve, especially a certain beautiful, precious fire boy <3 (And yes, I know the anniversary was yesterday, I fucked up but shhh)
----------
Relationships: ASL brothers, Law/Luffy
Rating: Teen and Up
Words: 1894
Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Everybody Lives, Nothing Hurts, Portgas D. Ace Lives, Fluff, Fluff and Humor, lawlu being cute, Protective Sabo (One Piece), Protective Portgas D. Ace, best big bros protective of their innocent baby bro, ASL Brothers, what else uhhh, i might add more as i go, Donquixote "Corazon" Rosinante Lives
Summary: When the three brothers who had once terrorized the Grey Terminal as well as the Goa Capital come together, nothing good can come of it. Even though they're not children anymore. Or maybe especially since they're not children anymore.
Or; the obligatory Everybody Is Alive And Nothing Hurts AU
---------
When Ace jumped from his raft up onto the railing of Luffy’s ship, he honestly didn’t expect someone to be standing right where he landed. He couldn’t blame Nami for screaming like she did in favor of a normal greeting, and it was also no surprise when Luffy’s voice came only a second later, asking what was wrong in a voice full of alarm. What was surprising, however, was when Luffy’s head popped out from behind what looked like a large polar bear sleeping right on the deck of the Thousand Sunny. Seriously, Luffy and his tendency to pick up the weirdest things.
"Hey, Luffy," Ace greeted, waving at his brother.
A bright smile appeared on Luffy's face when he realized just who the intruder was, scrambling to his feet and immediately falling over, nearly landing face first onto the lawn. Ace just had to laugh at the sight, but his amusement soon died down. Instead, he had to frown at the pained groan and cursing in a voice that was decidedly not Luffy's, and neither did it seem to have come from the polar bear who was still snoozing away without care.
"Sorry, Torao," Luffy apologized with a sheepish smile directed at the person he had apparently tripped over.
Who the hell was ‘Torao?’ Who was the person Ace could only assume his baby brother was napping with? Seemed like an interrogation was in order. Later though, there were arrangements to be made first. After all, having back up on this couldn't hurt and he had the best back up just waiting for him on the next island.
Picking himself up and running over, Luffy nearly crashed into Nami in his hurry this time, but his navigator managed to side step him at the last second, probably expecting something like this to happen. Luffy only shot her a crooked smile and a half-hearted apology, prompting her to shake her head at him, crossing her arms over her chest in a scolding manner.“Honestly, how is your entire family like this? One of you is going to give me a heart attack one day.”
“Sorry,” Ace and Luffy apologized in unison, the both of them bowing to her for good measure. After all, they both knew all too well that Nami’s wrath was scarier than anything they had ever witnessed on the Grand Line so far.
Nami huffed, shooting one last unhappy glare at them before she turned around and said, “We should be arriving at the next island in a few hours, I’m going to check what we need and get things ready.”
Ace sighed in relief; it seemed like they had somehow managed to avoid the worst.
"Ace, what are you doing here?" Luffy asked as soon as Nami walked away.
Ace grinned, finally jumping off of the railing he had been perching on. “Can’t I just come visit my favourite baby bro?”
“Of course you can,” Luffy said, sticking his tongue out at him. “I just didn’t expect you. Weren’t you going to Wano to see Tama?”
“Yeah, but there was a change of plans. Sabo’s actually on the island you’re heading to so I took a detour,” Ace explained with a shrug.
The reaction was immediate. Just as Ace expected, Luffy perked up even more, his smile going impossibly wide and Ace could swear there were stars in his eyes. He was also basically vibrating in place and Ace had to chuckle at the sight. He understood Luffy’s excitement, neither of them got to see the revolutionary nearly as often as they would have liked for obvious reasons, but Luffy was just too cute when he got like this. How he even did the… bright all over thing was something beyond Ace’s understanding but he loved seeing it every single time regardless.
“Sabo’s there?! Why didn’t he tell me?” Luffy cried out, grabbing onto Ace’s arm in his eagerness.
Before Ace could reply, the other person who had been hidden behind the polar bear until then stood up, muttering seemingly to himself, but loud enough for both Ace and Luffy to hear, “Oh great, there’s going to be three of them.”
“Torao~,” Luffy whined, turning to look at the grumpy man with a pout. “Don’t say it as if it’s a bad thing,” he finished, bouncing away from Ace to stand in front of the other man instead.
Ace scowled at the sight of Luffy peeking up at ‘Torao,’ who only stared back impassively as if he wasn’t bothered in the least by Luffy’s puppy eyes. Ace didn’t think that was even possible. Not to mention they were standing way too close to each other for Ace’s tastes.
“It is a bad thing. There’s way too much energy just with you, Luffy-ya. I don’t need more of it around me,” Torao told him, finishing with a light flick to Luffy’s forehad. An action that nearly had Ace toss a fireball at him if only Luffy didn’t start giggling over it.
Suddenly, Luffy stepped even closer to the man, wrapping his arms around his waist and grinning up at him. “You love it,” he announced, sounding all too proud of himself.
“In very small doses,” Torao admitted before leaning down and kissing the top of Luffy’s head.  
Oh, Sabo was so hearing about this.
Ace cleared his throat loudly, raising his hand to make sure the fire crackling threateningly in his palm was the first thing Torao would see when he looked in his direction.
“Nice to see you again, too, Fire Fist-ya,” the man said flatly, one eyebrow raised.
Ace smiled at him, making sure it look as fake as he could make it. “Trafalgar Law. What do you think you’re doing to my little brother?”
“What does it look like?” Law shot back, showing a smirk that only managed to irk Ace further. If Luffy wasn’t standing right there, he would really have thrown that fireball at him.
“Ace?” Luffy asked, tilting his head to the side in confusion as he looked at the fire dancing angrily under Ace’s command.
Ace sighed at that, reluctantly putting the flames out. That asshole was seriously so lucky Luffy was there. He and Sabo would have to corner him later and threaten him when Luffy wasn’t looking. “Anyway, as I was saying—” Ace shook his head, trying to make himself focus on the matter at hand— “I don’t think Sabo knew you were this close to the island. He said he only had one afternoon free and absolutely needed to see me for some reason. So, Luffy. Want to come with us to get something to eat?” he asked, even though he knew the answer. As if Luffy would ever say no to that.  
“Let’s get meat!” Luffy exclaimed loudly, full of enthusiasm and throwing both arms in the air. He nearly punched Law in the face.
Sadly, it really was only nearly but Ace still took great pleasure in returning the smirk Law had given him earlier. He quickly turned back to Luffy, however, and replied, “Well, Sabo seemed like he had something in mind already so let’s just go and see.”
Luffy nodded at his words, a bright, happy smile that looked just the same as it did all those years ago at Mt. Colubo on his face, and Ace felt his previous smirk melt into a fond smile in return. There was warmth in his chest at the sight, the knowledge that his little brother was still the same even after everything that had happened over the years making him incredibly happy.
Without even realizing, Ace’s hand came to touch his own exposed chest, his fingers tracing the rough, large burn scar that Akainu had left there during the war four years ago. It was honestly a miracle he was even alive. He had fully accepted death back on the execution scaffold but then Luffy crashed in, just as loud, just as unexpected as always, bringing so much chaos with him that it changed the entire course of the whole ordeal. And then he accepted it once more when he threw himself in Akainu’s way to protect Luffy.
But now here they were, both of them miraculously alive—thanks to Jinbe, Marco, Vista, and, as much as it pained him to admit it given the very recent circumstances, mostly thanks to Trafalgar Law’s incredible timing and medical skill—and both bearing lava burn scars on their chests as a reminder of what could have happened; what was so incredibly close to happening. It was incredible how much the experience had changed them, yet somehow, how they were still the same as they used to be when playing pirates in their little tree house base.
And when Sabo had appeared in front of them again, with tears and apologies and so very alive, it felt almost inevitable.
Ace shook his head at his own thoughts. This was no time to get all sentimental. “Okay, Sabo’s waiting. Are you ready to go? Striker isn’t really a two person boat but it should be okay,” Ace said, gesturing towards his fire powered raft.
“Yes!” Luffy shouted like he had just won something. “Your boat always seems so fun to play with,” he sang, running over to look down at the slim, sleek raft that was gently swaying along the Sunny.
“Glad you’re so excited,” Ace chuckled.
He went to jump back down on Striker immediately, but Luffy stopped him when he spoke up next, “Oh wait. Do you think we could take the Mini Merry? Torao is meeting his dad on the island, too.”
Ace paused, looking at Luffy with a slight frown. What the hell was a ‘mini merry?’ But more importantly, did they really have to take Trafalgar with them?
Thankfully, Law had saved Ace from having to deal with either of those questions when he spoke up instead, “Thanks but I’ll stay here, Cora-san won’t be there until evening anyway. Plus, I’m not going to risk your brother drowning me on the way.” He shot Ace another one of those smirks when he finished and Ace almost wanted to burn it off of his face but…
“Fair point,” he admitted instead, surprised at the laughter that bubbled out of his chest. He shuddered in horror at the idea of this asshole growing on him.  
“I have no idea what you two are talking about,” Luffy mumbled in annoyance, but perked back up a second later when he announced he was going to let the crew know he was going on ahead.
Ace and Law looked at each other, Ace trying to convey with his eyes the threat of bodily harm that he was thinking in regards to the man standing in front of him. He could only assume he had succeeded when the corners of Law’s mouth twitched up slightly, followed by the surgeon flipping Ace off before he turned around and walked off, sitting down and making himself comfortable with his back resting against the somehow still asleep polar bear.
He was seriously pissing Ace off.
He did have to give it to him, though; if nothing else, this asshole had guts. Reluctantly, Ace had to admit that was probably the most important qualification to pass as Luffy’s boyfriend. He was still not getting out of that interrogation though.
---------
[chapter 2 coming...... as soon as I can finish it]
77 notes · View notes
ginkgomoon · 3 years
Text
Shaw's Birth Chart- An Astrological Study
Late second birthday gift to Shaw. I haven't done any heavy analyses/studies in a while but I felt happy that I also completed some good solid Shaw content! Please enjoy. *Cries because it's finally done and before June is over.*
Tumblr media
What is Astrology?
Astrology is the study of stars- the placements and movements of different celestial bodies to correlate what’s happening on Earth. It comes from the early Latin word astrologia.
There’s a rule that we live by-
As above so below
This means whatever happens within our solar system will ultimately affect us here on Earth. For example, the moon governs our emotions, and since our body is approximately 70% water, why wouldn’t the moon affect us too? But it’s not just us, it's the moon’s gravitational pull on the oceans, in the same sense, it’s also the moodiness you may feel during full moons!
There’s many aspects to Astrology, and that would normally be too much for a single post so I’ll be elaborating on the major contributions to one’s birth chart. This will include the planets and the signs.
There’s the inner planets, consisting of the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars and Venus, moving quickly within the chart. Then there’s the outer planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus and Pluto, the slower moving planets. And of course, the different signs of the zodiac with different personalities. They follow the order beginning with Aries, then Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and finally Pisces.
Shaw's Placements
Sun ☉ The Sun represents our character, personal identity and ego. Your star sign is also known as your Sun sign. It is the “you”. The “Self”. It shows your creative force, confidence, focus and our will to live. It’s the driving force of our charts in many ways, like how it is centred in our solar system. It’s the part of us that is the “adult”, censoring the “inner child”, and overall provides information on our vitality, and what we came to do.
Shaw's Sun is in Gemini ♊︎ The air sign of Gemini is famous for their self-expression and communication. Geminis are witty, clever and flexible people. They can easily gain social contacts just as they can easily adapt in various situations and communicate through intellectual conversations. Geminis love to collect and share all sorts of information and are rather seen to be “geniuses”.
Although, they can be easily bored if they’re not getting enough mental stimulation. Geminis with their abilities to detach themselves make them excellent observers, but this can make them very difficult to be close to and be intimate with. People note them to be confusing and hard to understand, but this is because their mind is always active and switching from one topic to another (as they are represented by “the Twins”). Geminis enjoy seeing the “lighter” side of life, making them more fun and pleasing to be around. It’s guaranteed that there is never a dull moment when you’re with a Gemini!
Shaw holds a good representation as a Gemini. He always has a witty remark to say to MC, has a way with words, is shown by how he reacts to “fight or flight” situations, and stresses the usage of his favourite word, “bored”. Shaw, by having this placement of the Sun in Gemini also gives much strength to his Mercury (the planet of communication) which is also in Gemini (more on this later).
Tumblr media
Shaw: “What do people usually do during dates?”
MC: “Uh, it’s usually eating, shopping and watching movies.”
Shaw: “That’s too boring, isn’t it? Since it’s a date with you, I’d like to get your feedback. What would you like to do?”
MC: “Nothing else.”
Shaw: “Then, what do you want to do?”
He thought for a couple of seconds and raised his eyebrows slowly, with a hint of glimmer of dark light in his eyes.
“You'll agree to anything that I do…?” -One Day Date
MC: “Why did you suddenly take an interest in reading?”
Shaw: “For the final exam.”
Despite his concentration, he flipped the pages with incredible speed- it seemed as if he didn't like what he read. -Summer Night Birthday Date
Shaw values all forms of communication and self-expression, whether it would be through music, writing, and teaching others about ancient relics. Additionally, it appears that he enjoys a range of hobbies, such as playing the bass, skateboarding and spray-painting, due to his interest in the wide variety of passions he developed. MC notices this on one of her earliest dates with him.
MC: “Hey, you seem to have a wide range of hobbies.” -One Day Date
Tumblr media
Moon ☾ The Moon in our charts shows what your home is like, your upbringing, the relationship between your mother, the unconscious, your instincts and what you need. It tells us a lot about a person’s emotions, how they deal with it and how they express it to others.
Shaw's Moon is in Capricorn ♑︎ Productivity, work, and feeling useful and respected are the basic need for Lunar Caps. They like to keep their emotions in check, as they want to maintain being the cool-headed, practical and steady person of any group and in any project. Moon in Capricorn suggests that they have clear boundaries and realistic kinds of goals, looking for reassurance and security in what they do. They value and respect tradition and all things tangible and real. Moon Caps look forward to working towards their distant future goals, planning one step at a time. When feeling moody, their emotions will emphasise the pressure they had already put on themselves. Additionally, this is why letting their guard down to be comforted and to be reminded that they are not alone is very beneficial. Capricorns are unwilling to stand down, especially when it comes to emotionally “letting go”, hiding their sensitivity under a sarcastic manner. Wherever Capricorn is found in the chart, there is a desire for control, structure, and organisation. Emotions are well dealt with and handled in an efficient and practical manner.
There is a certain mysteriousness and sadness behind Shaw that can be subtly detected and yet to further explore deeply. This might have come from past trauma, possibly related to family relations. He has realistic expectations and justifications for his emotions, and when it comes to his goals, he will utilise these to help him slowly achieve them. Shaw is slowly letting his guard around MC, and gradually allowing him to love.
MC: “How can you draw so well?” I murmured quietly, envying his skills which require much talent.
Shaw: “Is it good? In a few months, it will fade into obscure and worthless trash."
He glanced at the wall with an undisguised contempt, as if it was not his own work that he was judging.
“It’s a failure.” He shook a spray can and started spraying it on the wall.
MC: “Wait! Why are you doing this?”
Shaw did not avert his eyes, and stood with his arms folded, refusing to give in.
Shaw: “But it's flawed now.” -One-Day Date
After a few seconds of silence, he frowned and put everything in his arms back on the table except for a can of coke. “Don’t act like you know me so well.” -Exciting Moments Date
Perhaps it was because I didn't believe that Shaw would appear so calm or so still, or because I wanted to explore why he looked so focused, I also looked at him in silence.
Shaw: “You really like to immerse yourself in your past.”
MC: “Find strength through the memories, then grow and become stronger.” I suddenly recalled a line from a TV series, and read it out.
A flicker of doubt flashed through his eyes, and eventually condensed into a dismissive look.
Shaw: “Who told you that we can only become stronger with memories?”
MC: “Why are you so dismissive?”
Speaking of which, what made Shaw so strong if it’s not finding strength from his “memory” or “past”?
Shaw: Why are you telling me this? Reminiscing every day means you’re getting old.”
-
Rain started to shower from the gloomy sky. I looked up, and found that the dark clouds were only above this small area of filming location. It was actually very sunny over at the antique market.
Fortunately, the rain was not heavy, and was even getting lighter as he predicted. He pulled at his hair, shaking off the scattering beads of rain. Such serenity did not match my impression of him, yet it was unexpectedly harmonious and natural.
MC: “Are you the rain god? Why does it always rain when I'm out with you?”
Shaw: “It’s because I can control the weather.”
At this point, the rain, which had stopped just a short while, suddenly fell again, but more densely. The smirk on his face was not gone yet. The rain seemed to be getting heavier. I felt more saddened as he spoke, yet Shaw just laughed. -Seeking Date
As a Capricorn Moon, his value and respect for tradition, and in all things tangible is very much obvious, and is highlighted with his display of knowledge about historic relics in Loveland’s museum shown in various dates, being the only student in the Department of Archeology of in Loveland University, as well in this scene from Season 2 that I couldn’t bear to leave out.
Tumblr media
Mercury ☿ Mercury is the communication planet. When you write, speak, absorb information and how rational we are, you’re using your Mercury. It refines our Sun sign and helps define how we take in and give out information. It also talks about short distance travelling, governing your thirst for knowledge, your wit and negotiating skills. If someone is an excellent talker, it’s thanks to their Mercury placements.
Shaw's Mercury in Gemini ♊︎ Since Mercury is already ruled by Gemini, which makes it a favourable placement for quick-witted communication. Gemini Mercury placements may come across as being scattered and restless, but this is because of their different interests, seemingly knowing a little bit about everything. They easily gain knowledge where all sorts of facts and figures are up their alley, however generally have too many interests to deeply delve all into one. They can thrive in a stimulating environment as they are fast adapters who effortlessly learn and multitask at lightning speed.
This overlaps with Shaw’s Gemini Sun Placement. He may confuse MC sometimes with his personality and wit, but it’s nice to see MC adapt to it as well, because they have a lot to learn and grow from each other. He encourages MC to live life more boldly, while she teaches him to take things slower and be more aware of how his emotions and thoughts should work in harmony under special circumstances.
“He has no problem with the noise from rehearsals, and yet he can't stop criticising me for being noisy. He gets easily bored by things and yet he never gets tired on aimless strolls. Moreover, he always disagrees with me…” -Exciting Moment Date
MC: “Are you doing something illegal?”
Shaw: “What do you think?” Shaw looked at me playfully, and I could not help taking a step back vigilantly.
MC: “I'm a good law-abiding citizen and I won't be your accomplice!”
Shaw: “That's not up to you.”
-
MC: “Oh no! What should we do, what if we get caught!”
Shaw: “Nothing. Having a date at the police station should be a good experience.” -One-Day Date
Additionally, those reoccurring moments when he says that he had changed his mind also stems from the “twinning” aspect of Gemini in his thought process.
Shaw: “Give the cake and forks to me.”
MC: “Didn’t you say you didn’t want it?”
Shaw: “I changed my mind.” -Exciting Moments Date
Venus ♀︎ The planet Venus is ultimately the planet of love, beauty, wealth, our material things and what we do with all that sort of jazz. It’s the pleasures, our sentiments, what we do for leisure and what we value. Grace, charm, creativity, and entertainment are ruled by Venus. We can use this planet to see how we approach relationships of the heart, investigate our ability to attract and the attraction to others (or things).
Shaw's Venus is in Cancer ♋︎ These kinds of people are quite sensitive and insecure when it comes to love, with egos perhaps said to be a little bit undeveloped but have so much love, comfort, security, and care to offer. These aspects are emphasised for Cancers, who pay more attention to your feelings rather than said words. All they want is a safe, solid and secure relationship. They can be moody when it comes to love, though they are not afraid of emotional confrontations and to put their emotions on display when feeling it’s safe.
But once they are hurt, they will have a hard time forgiving. Pleasing them will involve a lot of sentimentality, as recognising their influences and attachments are from the family and home. When fearful of being rejected, they can resort to some frustrating tactics to find out how loved they are. Venus Cancers will want to be cared for, and in return their partner will be rewarded with a loving, dependable and patient lover.
Shaw puts up a front with his teasing and seemingly lack of interest to attend events with MC, though we can tell that he’s a very thoughtful and intuitive lover. Once he has allowed himself to internally address his feelings, he will use straightforward methods in how he communicates it to MC, again, strengthened by his Gemini placements. Additionally, Cancers will cling onto something or someone that is of value to them, because it evokes memories and emotions. In the same sense, if there is someone that Shaw has his eye on, he will inch closer to them, and will be unwilling to give them up once he has them.
I tried to reach out and pull him down while watching out for him, but he just took me by surprise and grabbed my hand instead. I quickly pressed down my skirt with the other hand. Probably realising something, his amber eyes widened slightly, then let go of me, with a low “tsk”. -Seeking Date
Shaw: “Why can’t you let that go?”
MC: Because I'm sick of you treating me like this. One time, you waited for me to get to the Live House to tell me that there was a change in venue, and there was also this one time when you- achoo!”
I pulled my jacket tighter around myself. Suddenly there was a rustle above my head and I found myself covered in a warm coat. Shaw stood up without a word as if he didn't hear me. Clad in a white shirt, he looked at once familiar and strange from behind.
Then I noticed his hand in the pocket. I was expecting him to conjure something for me like he did last time with the Dragonfly Eye. Before I could react, Shaw suddenly grabbed me by hand. With no gloves on, he tightly wrapped his slender fingers around my palm. I felt an unexpectedly soft and warm sensation.
MC: “Let go of me!”
Shaw: “No, I don’t want to.”
-
Shaw: “You've been asking questions about me all day. Do you really want to get to know me? Bring your ear closer. I can tell you all about myself.”
-Exciting Moments Date
His hand flew past my face and landed on the back of my head. With a slight jerk, he pulled me toward him. Our foreheads were then pressed together, and I felt the warmth of his forehead resting on mine, my breath on my skin, his unintentional touch, and his body pressed against mine. -Summer Night Birthday Date
“Do you like me? Yes or no?” -Unanswered Phone Call
Mars ♂︎ Mars is the go-getter planet. Full of fire and passion, nothing would be done without it. It can give insights on how we can chase our goals and what our desires and our plans of attack are. Aggressive behaviour, lust and anger fall under this planet.
Shaw's Mars is in Libra ♎︎ Mars Libras often reflect about the things they do before they act, needing to weigh out all the decisions first. They also can get easily caught up in defending themselves and others, as well as charming others to win others’ favour if needed. They wish to not be disturbed in their life or how they “operate”, going about with the desire to balance everything, with almost having a seemingly passive-aggressive approach to situations. Mars Libras know when to compromise and manage conflict, as well as predicting problems and discord well in advance. Libras will question themselves on how they can make the playing field more fair, intervening when necessary and when things aren’t. Shaw demonstrates this during his bus stop intervention when he first meets MC, on his dates with her, as well as his confrontation with Gavin.
“Don’t hesitate if you have already thought it through.”
-
MC: “What’s the matter?”
Shaw shrugged, lifted the corner of his lip, and looked at me, saying this firmly word by word.
Shaw: “Don’t forget that this is our punishment. Be a good loser.” -One-Day Date
“What are you laughing at? Stop it.” he reached out his hand, trying to mess up my hair. I quickly dodged backward and started laughing harder.
“Hey.”
A stunned look flashed Shaw’s eyes. Before he finished his sentence, I slipped and fell heavily backwards. He looked at me before a hint of schadenfreude appeared in his eyes. Then he said in a raised tone, “that's what you get for laughing too hard.”
He then sat down with me. I turned to him in confusion.
MC: “Why did you sit down when you’re supposed to help me up?”
Shaw: “Because I wanted to.” -Exciting Moments Date
Brutal gales whipped up gravel and rocked trees. A bolt of lightning split the sly, illuminating the two people locked in a standoff.
Gavin’s face was completely devoid of its former calm, and in its place was wrath. The man opposite Gavin squinted his eyes ever so slightly. He went wild with laughter, and an arrogant expression swept back over his face.
Shaw: “Well, we’re finally starting to get serious. It’s about time.”
Gavin: “I warned you! She’s off-limits.”
Shaw: “Are you threatening me?”
Gavin: “You aren’t worthy.”
The man lifted his eyebrow and slowed his speech purposefully.
Shaw: “Anyway, my objective has been reached. I don’t mind toying with you. But I don't know how long this girl you’re obsessed with has long to live...”
The two fought with increasing ferocity. The man was slowly losing ground. Then, the sky roared, and a white flame connected heaven and earth. The man was gone without a trace. -Chapter 11-24
Tumblr media
Jupiter ♃ Jupiter is the largest planet, a gas giant, known to expand as the “benefactor” of our solar system. Everything it touches is basically blessed. It’s the good luck, confidence, joy, freedom and adventure that it gives to one’s being that it’s so well known for. Jupiter is where you seize your opportunities, take a leap of faith and count your blessings.
Shaw’s Jupiter is in Aquarius ♒︎ Shaw attracts the most good fortune when he’s tolerant and fair, cooperative and inventive, being different from society’s norms and standards. He values technology, people and personal freedom the most, desiring to display his unique skills and talents. He is open to new methods and eccentric ways to progress. We see this as he’s willing to share his knowledge with others, shown in the CN Creative Date and Summer Solstice Date, and when Shaw offers a hand to help MC by making her alias “Mary Sue” to help her successfully break into STF in later chapters. He also shows her the electricity firework he makes with his Evol, which fascinates MC enough for her to reach out and touch it.
I looked at Shaw's on the other side of the wall. The flaunting design was imposing, as if it was about to jump out at me the next second. Then I looked at my grinning rabbit, which seemed to be the clumsy work of a child.
-
In the gold and purple pattern, “SHAW” could be faintly recognised while a grinning rabbit stood at the top of the world. They actually seemed… quite in harmony? -One-Day Date
MC: “Is that the same MP4 player you had on the bus?”
Shaw: “Yes, someone gifted it to me a long time ago.” Emboldened by his straightforwardness, I couldn't help but move slower. -Exciting Moments Date
Floating on his palm was a sizzling firework giving off dazzling sparks. I was stunned by the sight. I couldn’t believe that Evol could do that. I reached out to touch it, but Shaw stopped me.
“Are you out of your mind? It’s charged with electricity.” -Summer Night Birthday Date
Saturn ♄ Saturn is the planet of karma, restrictions, life lessons, hard facts and the challenges in life. It governs structure, our fears, work and self-discipline. Saturn is cold and calculating, however once the challenges and lessons Saturn have been mastered, great wisdom with great rewards can be obtained.
Shaw's Saturn is in Aries ♈︎ Aries Saturns are highly resourceful coming up with fresh ideas for our goals. They don’t like showing weakness and need to be careful when limiting themselves due to fear of failure or making a poor decision. They’re very self- reliant because they rarely ask for help. They need to be shown that not “being first” is okay.
It’s proven that Shaw has a competitive side to him, seen in the CN Summer Solstice Date and his Rumours and Secrets, where Shaw refuses to give up and ends up doing dolphin flips on his skateboard in a match against a senior and wins after his first loss. In Accompanying Date, he acknowledges his embarrassing moments when he got caught skipping class, then reflects on them. We also see this as he flees his battle with Gavin when he almost loses.
Shaw: "I just remember winning. Don’t people at ten years old want to get swept away, win against everyone, and leave them far behind?" -CN Summer Solstice Date
Shaw: "The fence of the school was disagreed with by the elementary students. Back then, my skills weren’t refined yet. I got discovered by a teacher when I fell from it." While reminiscing, Shaw pouts unhappily. -CN Accompanying Date
The two fought with increasing ferocity. The man was slowly losing ground. Then, the sky roared, and a white flame connected heaven and earth. The man was gone without a trace. -Chapter 11-24
Uranus ♅ Wherever Uranus is in the chart, it’s where we want to break free, where we want to do things our own way, when you don’t care what everyone else is doing or thinking about. It’s where we express our ideals on freedom, innovation and experience great epiphanies. We strive for independence with the influence of the Uranus character. As a result, we learn to rebel, break traditions and authority. It shakes things up from our past and into the modern future. It is often associated with unpredictability, chaos and anarchy.
Shaw's Uranus is in Aquarius ♒︎ These people are interested in innovating, changing and updating traditions related to technology, community and individuality. They see freedom through or in these areas, and are ready to rebel if needed. Aquarius Uranus people are open to new ideas and free thought.
Shaw is no stranger to the concept of rebellion. He sneaks into places he shouldn’t be in, spray-paints graffiti, and helps MC access top-secret information in STF. His comments on history further outlines the unique outlook that he challenges with traditional views.
I looked around nervously, remembering that last time, we were chased by city police for street graffiti.
Shaw: “Don’t you want to come? Hurry up.”
MC: “Do you just do anything you like? Do you abide by no rules?” -One-Day Date
Shaw: “What do you think history is?” Student: Those historical relics you told us about just then!”
- Student: “If everything is history, how does one learn it?” Shaw: “There’s no need for an intention. It’s everywhere.” -CN Summer Solstice Date
Tumblr media
Neptune ♆ Neptune is the inspirational planet of dreams, inspirations, soulmates, enlightenment and sacrifice. It’s all about connection with the universe and the world around you, however can have the polar effect of deception and illusion, along with disappearances of sorts. It can also govern your music tastes and influence on how you can inspire others.
Shaw’s Neptune is in Capricorn ♑︎ With this placement, his idealistic world will be based around realism, morality, and responsibility. He has to believe in the ground foundations of realisability of his dreams- enough so that it usually has a realistic thread about them. General optimism and faith will be lacking if he’s not doing something that he is passionate about and finds inspiration in. However, he has the capacity to change his practical dreams into reality the most. His influences and contributions come from his connection with Dark/MC, again with Mars in Libra, and is seen as a guide and spectator, though less passive than a Time Observer. It’s also clear that Shaw cares a lot for his music and his band. He even recognises a plagiarised song in one of his Rumours and Secrets.
“Playing with the band is just a hobby, so Shaw rarely creates something from scratch. He must have hidden things he wanted to say in his music, but never mentioned it to anyone.” -Summer Night birthday Date
Shaw: "No wonder these people didn’t realise it, they copied an unpopular song from the 80s. You should also improve your musical literacy so you wouldn’t be confused by these things." -CN Glacier Navigation Rumours and Secrets
My phone started buzzing in my outer coat pocket. I took it out and saw an unfamiliar number. A few moments of hesitation, I answered it. An unfamiliar voice came from the other end.
“Long time, no see. I’m sure you’re trying to guess who I am right now.” There was something in his voice that gave me a sense of déjà vu.
MC: “May I ask, what this is about?”
“I can’t just call you for no reason? Everyone has already forgotten you. You are officially someone who shouldn’t exist in this world.
MC: “Impossible! Just who are you, anyway?”
“Go see for yourself. For instance, at the place where it all started.” -Chapter 19-1
Outside the floor to ceiling window, a tall man with light purple hair was looking at me in the eye, an unmistakable smile on his lips. Who is this person? He waved at me and strove in the diner.
“Oh, here you are.” He greeted me with such familiarity, a few loose strands of hair fell over his forehead, softening his sharp eyes. His actions were swift and sure, giving me no time to interrupt. His face seemed so familiar but I can’t remember where I’ve seen it before.
MC: “Who are you?”
Hearing this, the young man’s brow raised, and the look of amusement flashed over his eyes.
“You don’t remember? You bumped my skateboard.”
MC: “Oh! We met on the bus. But how is it that you remember me?”
He didn’t answer me straight away. He just observed my expression with great interest, seemingly enjoying watching my reaction.
“I’m the one who called you. It’s me. The dream world has no effect on me.”
Pluto ♇ Pluto is the Lord of the Underworld, and is not to be messed around with. It’s responsible for great destructible transformations and corresponds to the life, death and rebirth cycle. It’s the detoxing planet, for you to awaken and be reborn. It shows us where we can change the world, alongside right where we can go into the abyss of the cunning and controlling energies of Pluto. Its powers can be ever so subtle, however it can have the forces to trash you with the realisations of what you need to let go in order to transform. Think of it as the “healing crisis” moments that you can thank Pluto for.
Shaw's Pluto is in Sagittarius ♐︎ They take beliefs and philosophy of life very seriously, more than most. They believe deeply in personal freedom and expression, questioning ideologies in place. They often watch for a tendency to move from one project to another, perhaps due to inhuman expectations. They are motivated and driven by the vision of a better world, therefore their faith in humanity is strong.
Shaw helps MC multiple times when she is in need, additionally supporting her beliefs and vision to save the world and everyone in it, like when she first entered the Winter World and helped her rescue the kidnapped children against her battle with Leto in the Chapter 34. He even gives her his necklace- the Dragonfly Eye in the end of Season 1 and wishes her well once they meet again.
Shaw: “Oh yeah, the other you is really funny. Today, she saved someone on the street. Did you use to do stuff like that too?”
Dark MC: “I’m not like her. I don’t do meaningless things like that. Stick to the plan.”
Shaw: “Oh? I’d thought you’d like this scene. What are you planning to do, anyway?”
Dark MC: “Why of course, I’m going to accept my place as QUEEN.” -Behind the Curtain Chapter 5
MC: “Shaw, what are you doing here? Where’s Leto?”
Another thunder flashes, Shaw’s face was reflected clearly and I saw him lift his eyebrow slightly.
Shaw: “You are so slow. Did you bring the notebook? Keep it and give it to me later.”
MC: “You haven’t answered why you are here.”
Shaw: “And I thought you were starting to get smarter. None of us can stay out of it now. If I don’t intervene, this world is finished.”
Tumblr media
I would love to see more about Shaw’s background character and his upbringing as to why he had appeared a bit defensive in some dates. Poor Shaw :( Hopefully this study allowed you all to gain a deeper understanding of Shaw and his character, and to why he’s important in the main storyline and other events alike.
22 notes · View notes
cakejots · 3 years
Text
this is us trying, Chapter 2 - The Rendezvous
In this AU, they don’t know each other outside of the suit. And in this AU, Ladybug and Chat Noir love each other. But in this AU, Chat doesn’t want their identities revealed.
Written for @ladynoirjuly 2021
notes: this is a coherent story based on all the prompts; each chapter contains at least 3 prompts. this chapter has 4 prompts
Ch 1 | Ch 2 | Ch 3 | Ch 4 | Ch 5 | Ch 6 | Ch 7 | Ch 8 | Ch 9 | Ch 10
Read on AO3
4. Patrol
“Our dates will be in broad daylight?”
“Yep,” Ladybug replied, popping the P. “Under the disguise of patrols.”
“So we are continuing ‘patrols’,” Chat indicated with air quotes. “I don’t think it’s very wise, my lady. Doesn’t it feel like we are hiding something from them?”
“So, you’re saying Parisians will be fine with us just going out and about on dates—”
“Yes.”
“—as long as we ‘update’ them about our relationship status.”
“Yes.”
“But we’re in the ‘dating phase’ and not ‘officially together’,” she indicated with air quotes too. “Also, you don’t want to date in the open, so there is no way we can ‘update’ and let them know we’re trying to be an official couple.” She sagged further down.
They were currently lounging on a random rooftop. Despite her best efforts at proposing counteroffers, she just fell short sometimes.
“I’m sorry.”
“Chaton, if you say sorry one more time, I’ll make sure I don’t turn up for our dates, then you’ll really be sorry.”
Chat widened his eyes in fear. No, anything but that, please! “No, no, please! I’m sor— I mean, please don’t.”
Ladybug sometimes also fell short at lifting the atmosphere around them.
“I’m just kidding, Minou.” She affirmed as she realised she might have taken it too far. “I plan on sticking with you for aeons.”
She slowly moved towards him and reached for his hands. “You know that, right?”
He pulled her into an embrace, her whole body lying on top of his. Ladybug rested her head on his shoulders and ran her hands through his hair, scratching behind his ears to reassure him.
“But,” she tried again. “Don’t you think Parisians will appreciate it even more if we appear as always? It’s like we aren’t forgetting about them, you know?”
Perhaps this wasn’t her brightest idea as of late, but she was still pretty insistent on it. She can’t help but feel that the pseudo reason would benefit them in the future.
“I guess,” he replied after a few beats.
“So can we?” Her body oozed excitement as she pulled back. “We’ll go on dates, but if anyone else asks, we’ll just tell them it’s a patrol!”
“As long as we take action when something happens.”
She became all giddy when Chat finally agreed.
“So, what do you have in mind for our ‘patrol’ today?”
Ladybug scanned their surroundings before her eyes landed on where she wanted to go. She grabbed his hand, pointed at the location and beamed at him. “Let's go to the fair over there!”
“Sure,” he smiled contently and agreed without even paying attention to where the fair was. “You’re so cute when you’re excited.”
“Am I now?” Smugness overtook her features.
He blushed, “You’re cute whenever, just especially so when you’re elated.”
“You know what’ll make me even more elated?” She leaned in.
“W-what?” Chat could feel the rhythms in his chest. She’s getting closer, so close that he could feel her warmth coming from her face. He swallowed, eyes flickering from her eyes to her lips, and then back again. Those eyes and lips were calling out to him, and he very much wanted to give in. If he could just move towards her a slight bit, her alluring pink lips would touch his.
Her face was millimetres from his, before she paused and booped his nose. “If you smiled more.”
He froze as she withdrew from him, took hold of his hand and pulled him up. “Come on! Let’s go before the cotton candy sells out!”
And she took off leaving Chat in a daze at her words. He shook out of his trance and followed her before he lost sight of where she went.
.
After they got their cotton candy, they stayed away from the centre of the fair, strolling at the borders.
“Do you know why I really wanted the cotton candy?”
“Because it’s a must-have when you visit a fair?”
“Well, you’re not wrong, but I get to do this too!” Ladybug tore a portion of her cotton candy and hovered it over Chat’s chin.
“Now you have a pink beard!” She giggled. “I’ve got to say, it does look good on you.”
“Oh? And why’s that?”
“It’s my favourite colour,” she reddened.
She felt his hands nearing her face and she looked down to see his blue cotton candy over her chin.
“What a coincidence, blue beard suits you too,” he smiled teasingly.
5. Milk
“Let’s sit here!”
They were at Jardin des Plantes and Ladybug had found a good spot that had adequate shade from the afternoon sun.
“You sure? There are plenty of flowers falling, won’t they get into our food?” Chat asked despite preparing to unroll the pink picnic mat.
“It’s fine! Besides, it’s romantic isn’t it?”
Chat chuckled and laid down the picnic mat on the grass before Ladybug put their picnic baskets on it.
As they sat down, Ladybug opened her basket and began taking out plates and wipes before taking out the sandwiches, cakes, and biscuits she had prepared earlier that day.
Chat was about to take out what he had brought when a cherry blossom flower landed on the back of his hand. Not the petals, but a full cherry blossom flower.
He seized it before it fell and placed it on Ladybug’s ear when she set down the containers before him.
She vaguely saw the light pink flower by the side of her eyes and narrowed her eyes at him. “Did you just pick this flower up from the ground and put it in my hair?”
Chat brought his hand to his chest in mock offence. “No, of course not! It landed on my hand.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“What?”
“I want to see it happen again.”
“My lady, I'm literally bad luck! What just happened won’t happen again for another million years!”
“Well, then it’s really good luck for it to land on your hand, isn’t it?"
He puffed out his chest and nodded.
Ladybug then lifted her gaze to see if she could get any flowers. Chat took out his baton and aimed his camera towards her.
“Buguinette.”
By this time she already had a flower in her hands and she focused her attention on him.
*snap*
“Hey!”
“Come on my lady, you look beautiful!” He showed his screen to her.
“Well, I'm glad we’re on the same page then.” Her arms reached for him and snaked around his neck to bring him in closer. Then, she placed the flower in his hair.
“Let’s take a selfie,” she pushed his hand that was holding the baton up into the air and changed the camera setting.
*snap*
“Now we both look beautiful now, don't we?” She said cheekily as they viewed the image. They seemed inseparable, Ladybug had both her hands around Chat’s neck and Chat had his arm resting on her shoulder. Bright smiles on their faces, Ladybug was leaning her head on Chat’s, their flowers visible by the side of their faces. They both really love how the picture turned out.
“Remember to send it to me,” and they proceeded to take the rest of the items from their baskets.
When she heard the sound of glasses clinking, she thought Chat had brought wine, which was why she eyed him incredulously when she saw a carton of milk on the picnic mat.
“Are you serious? Who brings milk to picnics?”
“Why not? To each their own!” He defended.
She frowned. “Because!”
He grinned when she gave up. “My lady, did you know I tried to get drunk on milk once?”
“What?”
Chat snickered when he saw the corners of her mouth twitched.
“Well, I don’t mean literally. But it happened enough times for the bartender to pretend that I was there to get drunk like everyone else was, even though the only thing I’ve ever ordered was milk.” He winked.
“You must really love milk, huh?”
“Can’t fault me for that,” he smirked. “I am a cat after all.”
“I wasn’t, but,” she held out a packet of milk biscuits to him. “What were the chances of us bringing something milk-related?”
He glowed.
6. Clown
Notre Dame is good for many things.
It’s good for France’s economy. The historical sites all around Paris are what attracts tourists from all around the world. Although not the sole reason, Notre Dame certainly contributes to the number of tourists who visit Paris.
Climbing to the top of the towers of Notre Dame offers a magnificent view of Paris. It is taller than all other buildings within its vicinity and on a good and sunny day, the Eiffel Tower can be seen clearly. Truly a sight to behold for anyone who wants the full experience as a visitor of Paris.
One downside to that is that wait lines to get to the top of the towers can take 2 to 3 hours. But not for the superhero duo, who can avoid the waiting time just by climbing up the Cathedral with the superpowers they were gifted.
Which was why they were currently at the top of the North Tower.
Notre Dame was also a great place for makeup sessions. There was nothing to block the sun from shining down on them, which gave excellent lighting for Ladybug to do her magic on Chat’s face.
“I was not expecting this for a Saturday date,” he grinned at her as she applied moisturiser on his face.
“Well, I’ve got to steer away from the norm sometimes.”
Once she was done, Ladybug picked up her makeup pouch from her side. “Is there any makeup you want me to do? Winged eyes, Smoky eyes, Visual-kei?”
“Make me a clown,” he said without missing a beat.
“Sorry, what?”
“You heard what I said. Make me a clown.”
“Wait, you’re serious?” Disbelief painted her face. “But doesn’t that defeat the purpose of makeup?”
“Excuse you, I don't need makeup to beautify me further, I'm pretty handsome myself. Now, make me ugly.”
“But—”
“Oh you can’t do it, can you?” He quipped.
Fire lit in her eyes. “And what do you know about makeup?”
“Why my lady, I happen to be very good at makeup myself,” he smirked.
“Oh, so we’re turning this into a challenge now?”
“Only if you want it to be,” he replied with a teasing smile.
“Alright. It’ll be one. And since I've already started on your face, I’ll continue. I’ll do the clown makeup you so desire.” She emphasised it by shaking her pouch. “Then we’ll switch. But you can’t look at your own face until you’re done with mine.” She took out a mirror from her pouch. “And we’ll look at ourselves in the mirror at the same time, and whoever laughs will be the winner.”
“Aw man, I can't do the scary clown makeup from IT on your face,” he pouted.
“Course not.”
“Works fine for me.” And he proceeded to close his eyes.
Despite Ladybug’s display of confidence earlier, she's panicking right now. She didn’t know how to work on clown makeup, she doesn't even know what they look like just because she normally avoids them. Her only impression of them was that the faces were white. She's totally clueless as to how the eyes and mouth should appear to be. She really wanted to win, but with her current skill sets, probably not. She’d consider it a win if he so much as to release a small ‘pfft’ from his lips.
“I’m waiting, Buguinette.”
“Have you actually done this before?”
“Of course.” Dammit.
The only thing she could do now was to wing it, and she settled on applying white all over his face, before doing half of his face with her colours and the other half with his own.
She visibly cringed as she took a step back and saw her creation as a whole.
Chat grinned and walked up to her to push her down back to where he was sitting before.
And he began his magic, applying moisturiser before the white all over her face as well. But that’s where the similarities ended. He applied something on her lips first. Then, he drew something on both of her eyes before going to her mouth again. And he repeated this process at least three times before he finished.
Once he was done, Ladybug could hear her own heartbeat in her ears and she took out a mirror from her pouch. They sat side by side and Ladybug faced her mirror downwards.
“Three,” she started.
“Two,” he took over and grinned.
And together. “One!”
She flipped her mirror up and it didn’t even take a second before the both of them tumbled onto the floor, trying to save the mirror. Their laughter filled the air. It was so loud that tourists from the South Tower had to stop and search where the sound was coming from.
Chat was clutching his stomach, howling at the sheer ridiculousness of the makeup she had applied on his face. “Y-you don’t know h-how a c-cl-clown looks like!” And he bellowed further.
Ladybug was still trying to make sure the mirror didn’t fall from her grip, cackling at how she was so off the mark for the makeup she’s done on his face. “S-shut up!”
7. Height Difference
Checking out Marché Bastille was honestly not what they had planned for the day. It wasn’t even on their list of date ideas. But they couldn’t resist the amora that invaded their nostrils as they jumped across the market. They were greeted with vibrant colours and rows and rows of stores as they entered the market and decided to just roam around the market as their date for the day.
“Chaton, do you smell something?”
“Huh? I’m surrounded by the aroma of many things, which exactly are you talking about?”
“Aroma? Not odour?”
“Aroma.”
“Man it stinks so bad, do you really not smell it?”
“I really don’t.” He saw her face scrunched up. “That bad?”
She looked adorable though.
“Yes! Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you can’t smell it at all!” She grasped his hand. “Let’s go before I faint from this.”
Ladybug walked ahead and pulled him forward, but he stood rooted to the ground.
“Chaton?” She turned back.
Chat continued sniffing the air, and when he realised that she was watching him, he bent his knees and inhaled.
“Oh.”
He had caught a whiff of camembert.
Ladybug gawked at him as though he had offended generations of her family.
He gave her a teasing smile. “I smell it now, it’s camembert.”
She was still staring at him.
He moved towards her, arms circling her waist before jumping away from the open market to a rooftop nearby.
When they landed, she let go and stomped her feet. “Tell me you did not just do that!”
“I did,” he taunted.
“I can’t believe you!” She marched away from him.
He snorted.
“I get it. You're tall and I’m tiny.”
“Aw Buguinette, you’re a pretty tall lady yourself.”
“No, no I’m not. After you did that to emphasise our height difference, I don’t think I am!” She crossed her arms, puffed her cheeks, and looked away from him.
“I’m sorry my lady, I really couldn’t smell the odour you were complaining about.” He strolled towards her. “And admit it, you secretly like it too.”
“N-no, your long-ass limbs are always in the way.” She’s still not looking at him.
“Oh? In the way of what?” He brought his face to hers.
Ladybug bloomed a brilliant red. “I-In… in the way of…”
”Yes?” His eyes glinted.
“Ki— I mean, hugging!”
He caged her within his arms. “Is that an invitation for a kiss?” He smirked.
Her cheeks were burning. “N-no.”
“Okay,” he let her go.
“W-wait!” She grabbed his arms and wrapped them around her again.
“So you want a kiss?”
Her heartbeat raced upon hearing that. Ladybug didn’t trust her voice, so she simply nodded.
Chat leaned in, and Ladybug closed her eyes. A feathery light kiss brushed against her forehead before the warmth around her vanished. She opened her eyes and found that she was all alone on the rooftop.
12 notes · View notes
zutaraangtastic · 3 years
Note
Could you do a little drabble about zuko and aang sharing dreams? maybe that is how zuko’s relationship with aang and katara starts, like it is what sparks it all :)
Also inspired by this post by @vomara! (Reminder that we are not accepting new prompts; we received these before July 1.) - Mod J
The moonlight pools in a pale circle on the dark water, perfectly still until Aang lands. His light footsteps cast ripples outwards as he spins Katara for an extra few beats in the air. Her eyes are squeezed shut with laughter as he guides her down gently, but she opens them, a gleam of mischief in their blue depths, and takes the lead as soon as she finds solid footing.
Aang gladly follows, letting her twirl him out to the end of her arm’s length and bring him back in. They sway together for an easy, quiet moment, with his back to her front and her smile pressed to his shoulder. He feels secure, wrapped up in her embrace, as he always does.
It’s a dream he has often, dancing on the sea with her—it’s one he never tires of. In the back of his mind, he knows she’s sleeping peacefully right next to him, so it’s not like it’s coming from a place of unfulfilled desire, as far as he can tell. They dance together all the time in their home, at fancy Republic City functions, at the Fire Lord’s galas. It’s just nice to steal away this extra secret time with her between night and day.
Even if it’s not quite the same as in real life, his mind does a pretty good job of conjuring Katara in a sleek sky-blue dress that tapers down one leg, her shoulders bare and her hair cascading in waves down her back. She’s utterly enchanting.
She dips him low, and Aang raises a hand to her cheek, his heart so full of love he feels like he could drown in it. “Baby, you’re my moon and stars,” he whispers, watching for the way the corners of her eyes crinkle with a smile as she leans in to kiss him. His own eyes flutter shut.
Something changes at that moment, heats up on his skin, brightens against his face. He doesn’t think much of it until he peeks his right eye open just a crack and gets a close-up look at an unmistakable scar—closer than he’s ever seen it in real life, close enough to see rivulets of pale tissue and faint pockets between rough scarlet ridges.
“Uh,” says Zuko.
“Um,” says Aang.
Neither of them moves. Around them, the scenery has turned to a soul-baringly sunny day, the water glittering beneath their feet. Zuko’s hands are where Katara’s were, one supporting Aang’s backwards lean and one resting high up on his thigh, Aang’s other knee raised up to frame Zuko’s side. Golden light, reflecting off the pool, dazzles in Zuko’s wide eyes, which soften little by little with something like gratitude.
Finally, he breaks the stillness of the moment with a somewhat dismayed laugh, letting go of the breath he seemed to be holding. Aang could almost swear he catches a sharp firewhiskey aftertaste brushing warmly over his lips. It’s an oddly specific detail, for a dream.
“Fancy meeting you here,” Zuko says, his mouth curving in a rare, secretive smile. “You’re just the person I wanted to see tonight.”
Something about it rubs against the grain in Aang’s mind, doesn’t quite add up the way it should, but he finds himself laughing, too, settling with ease into the firm hold that shifts to his waist. His own arms naturally find their way to wrap behind Zuko’s neck.
“You’re a lot smoother when I’m asleep, sifu hotman,” he remarks, and if Zuko’s brow furrows momentarily, he doesn’t really think twice about it after Zuko quickly twirls him a few times, catches him again by the hand and shoulder and steps with him in perfect sync.
Briefly, in the back of his mind, he wonders about Katara, but she wasn’t really here, and neither is Zuko. Even if his keen gaze makes Aang feel just as flustered as it does in real life, when he judges Aang’s firebending forms to “keep him sharp.” Even if the hand gliding up his side through the open slit of his robe makes him feel as hot as the sun.
He loves Katara. If he could love Zuko, too, he would—or, well, he already does, he thinks, but what difference does it make? All he knows is the real Zuko is sleeping soundly on the other side of the world. This can’t do any harm.
A little bit of sparring seems to blend naturally into their exchange. Instead of breaking apart to do the full Dancing Dragon, they stay close, trailing rainbow fire from their footsteps and trading precarious kicks around each other’s knees, legs crossing back and forth over one another as they move to and fro. The water doesn’t sizzle when their bending makes contact with it but splashes up into crystallized leaves of amber flame, scattering in their wake.
Aang ends up in the lead at some point, supporting Zuko’s weight in a high lift and a descending spin, their orange and red robes catching with a friction that might as well make a spark of its own. Several long strands of hair have strayed from Zuko’s topknot, falling messily around his face, but he doesn’t even seem to notice. There’s a simmering, unwavering intensity in his eyes now, never leaving Aang’s face. Aang flings him this way and that, dips him low and whispers, grinning, “Baby, you’re my sun and stars.” 
Zuko smirks invitingly, only to backflip over Aang’s bracing arm before Aang can act further. He lands easily, links his hand with Aang’s again and steps in close and fast to snap one leg up around Aang’s hip. They lean together, an unbroken line of contact from chest to thighs, breathing heavily. The shared hallucination of rhythm and music fades, and the utter brightness of the sky, too.
The closeness is so tempting, would make it so easy to kiss Zuko, but Aang decides to let his subconscious decide whether Zuko might make the first move instead.
“I didn’t know you could dance like that,” he says, with just a teasing note of accusation.
Zuko snorts, rolls his eyes with a distinctly affectionate exasperation reserved for Aang alone. Unthinkingly, Aang reaches to brush the loose hair back behind Zuko’s ear. His hand lingers gingerly against Zuko’s scar, warm, real, solid. Zuko doesn’t flinch away. Aang expects this dreamed image to melt away at any minute, but it doesn’t.
Before he loses the nerve, he blurts, “I didn’t know you would ever want to. With me.”
At that, Zuko chuckles, a self-deprecating sound edged with hopelessness that makes Aang’s heart clench. He closes his eyes and says, seemingly more to himself than Aang, “I knew this was all just stupid wishful thinking. That’s what happens, going to bed after too much to drink. Stupid.”
His eyelashes paint delicate, spidery shadows towards the arch of his cheek, shining damply, and his eyebrow digs down into a tense furrow. Aang doesn’t know what to do. This doesn’t make sense anymore—everything was going so well, and he thought that at least in a dream he might get a happy ending. He can’t put his finger on what went wrong. 
Lost, he bends his head slightly to press his lips to Zuko’s forehead, as the last golden light is swallowed up in the gray dawn all around them.
When Aang blinks slowly awake, the morning sky through the window is the first thing he sees, the first rays of sun stretching up into the receding blue. Katara is snoring gently, facing him, with her hair spilling over half her face. Aang lifts her sleep-heavy hand and works his fingers between hers, bringing her knuckles to his lips to kiss them softly.
He doesn’t know how long he lies awake there, watching the sun turn the clouds a rosy orange. Normally, he would get up and find somewhere to meditate. But he feels reluctant to leave Katara’s side this morning.
He stays long enough that she wakes up, though he’s sure she’ll doze off again soon enough. She squints at him with a reflexive, familiar smile and rasps, her voice rough with sleep, “What are you looking at me like that for?”
“Like what?”
“The way you always did when you thought I wasn’t watching you, back then.”
Aang laughs, and Katara does too, their breath stirring together between. “I can’t help it. I just love you.”
“Mm.” Katara scoots closer, snuggling her head under Aang’s chin and draping her arm over him. “Something’s on your mind, though. You always looked at me like that, all in love, ’cause you didn’t know how to tell me yet.”
Aang falls quiet. Reading the tension in him, Katara raises her hand to rub his upper arm gently, expectantly.
“I had a dream,” he says eventually. “About you…and Zuko.”
Katara leans back to look at him sharply. “Sweetie, you know you can’t let the tabloids get to you like that. I love you,” she says, with just a hint of scolding in her voice. “Zuko’s just a good friend.”
Aang opens his mouth, then closes it. “Yeah,” he says, pushing down the regret in it. “He is a good friend.” 
He can’t explain this to her, can’t ask her to understand something that might very well tear them apart. And that dream, as weird and real as it was…there’s just no way that Zuko feels like that, too. 
When Katara eventually does slip back into sleep, Aang kisses the crown of her head, carefully disentangles himself, and wanders down to the seashore to practice his firebending forms.
91 notes · View notes
worryinglyinnocent · 3 years
Text
Fic: Sheltered By Memories
Summary: The night after the Promised Day, there’s a thunderstorm. 
Ed hates thunderstorms. 
He can’t exactly wake Al to keep him company through it, not when he’s only just able to sleep again.
But Hohenheim’s awake, and as the weather rages outside, Ed and his father begin to tentatively rebuild the bridge between them, starting with memories of a similar storm many years ago. 
Rated: G
Sheltered by Memories
One would have expected the night after an event as momentous as the Promised Day to be clear and still, with the stars shining brightly and a big full moon. Ed knows that he can’t hope for a full moon since it was an eclipse today, but he can still be utterly furious that he’s woken up in the middle of the night to find that it’s hammering down with rain and howling a gale, with lightning flashing across the sky every five seconds and thunder rolling loud enough to wake the dead.
Ed curls up, pulling the thin hospital blanket over this head in a futile attempt to block out the storm. Across the room, Al is sleeping peacefully, undisturbed by the weather outside. Ed feels a pang of something he can’t quite define. Al’s never been bothered by thunderstorms. Even when they were little kids, Al was always at ease with the weather, never flinching or cringing at the bangs and crashes and flashes. 
Al never normally sleeps through storms, though. Even back before the armour, he would always stay awake with Ed if there was a storm.
Ed can’t wake him now though. Not when he’s been unable to sleep for so long and now he finally can.
“Edward?”
Ed peers out of the blankets and as the next flash of lightning plunges the room into brightness again, he sees Hohenheim sitting in the chair at the foot of Al’s bed. 
“Hohenheim? How long have you been here?”
“I’ve been here the whole time, you just weren’t awake.”
“Oh.” Ed’s not exactly surprised. After the adrenaline of the final battle with Father and that final trip to the Gate to get Al back had worn off, he’d all but collapsed. He has a vague memory of Hohenheim catching him before he hit the ground, and the haziness of waking up in this bed a few times before the thunder started and woke him properly. He thinks he can be forgiven for not paying attention. 
Hohenheim gets up and comes across to perch on the edge of Ed’s bed. 
“Your mother hated storms too,” he says. “I remember the big storm of ‘02. Al slept right through it and the rest of us had a terrible night.”
It’s jarring to hear Hohenheim talk about events from Ed’s childhood that Ed himself can’t remember. He missed so much of their lives that it’s easy to think that he wasn’t paying any attention to any of it, and easy to forget that he was there until Ed was five, however much he might have stayed in the background. 
That said, now that he’s mentioned it, Ed does have a vague memory of being three years old on a night like this one, and tiptoeing into his parents’ bedroom because the light was on. He remembers Mom curled up tight against Dad (because he was still Dad back then, he hadn’t left yet and lost the right to that name), her fists pulling his undershirt out of shape and mangling it more with every flash of lightning. He remembers crawling into bed with them and Dad pulling him in close, one arm around Ed and one around Mom, keeping both of them safe from the storm. 
“I forgot Mom was scared of lightning.” He feels bad about it. How could he have forgotten something like that? He tries to reason with himself - it’s been ten years since she died, he was so young, Resembool so rarely gets thunderstorms like this one - but he still feels a gnawing guilt at having forgotten something about Mom.
“It’s all right. Trisha was always so brave and strong. It’s hard to believe she was ever scared of anything.”
The lightning flashes again, illuminating Hohenheim’s face. He’s off in the middle distance, deep in memories of Mom, but he’s there, and against all the odds, Ed feels safe. His heart is still leaping to his mouth with every roiling rumble of thunder, but he’s not alone, and Hohenheim doesn’t mock his fear. 
Strange. Just as he can’t really believe Mom was ever scared of anything, he can’t really imagine Hohenheim being scared of anything either. Maybe it’s because he was always so distant, always concentrating on something else. The only emotion Ed can remember on him from his childhood is frowning.
“What are you scared of?” he asks presently. 
Hohenheim doesn’t answer for a long time.
“My worst fear came true,” he says eventually. “So I don’t think I’m scared of anything now. I lost you and Al and your mother. I think that was always what I was most scared of.”
There’s a kind of catharsis in hearing him admit that. He and Ed and Al are all in the same room and all three of them are alive and comparatively well, but he still admits that he’s lost them, that he messed up royally when he left. Even though Ed now understands why he did it and why he didn’t really have another choice, that he would definitely have lost them all if he hadn’t done anything, it still soothes the sting of it all. 
“Did Mom know?” Ed asks. “About the souls, and Father, and the Promised Day and everything?”
Hohenheim nods. “Not all of it. She knew about the souls. I didn’t think it was entirely courteous to start a relationship without her knowing about the several thousand voices in my head. She knew I was immortal. That’s why we made that promise; that I’d find a way to get back to normal and she’d outlive me. She knew about Homunculus, because I’d told her the story of how I got this way. I didn’t tell her about the Promised Day and why I had to leave. She knew I had to do something that only I could do, but I didn’t want to worry her with the scope of it.”
“She always believed you were coming back. Even right at the end.”
“I always was coming back.” The lightning flashes, and Hohenheim’s eyes look old, every one of those four hundred odd years showing in his expression. “I didn’t realise I would be gone for so long, but I was always going to come back. I dared to hope that once it was all over, we could have a normal life and not need to worry about anything again.”
Outside, the storm continues to rage, and Hohenheim continues to watch it calmly, just taking it in.
“I think it’s fitting that it’s storming tonight,” he says. “Washing away the old, getting rid of it all in one big rumbling explosion. Nature’s last act of violence to drown out the violence of the old world and make way for something new and peaceful. There’s always sun after a storm.”
Ed huffs, pulling the blankets up again. “There’d better be.”
Hohenheim smiles. “There will be.”
Ed closes his eyes, the bright flashes and sudden cracks of thunder no longer making him shiver. Even as he’s drifting off, he can feel that Hohenheim’s still sitting on the bed, still watching the storm. 
Still there. 
X
The sky is bright blue and sunny without a cloud in it when Ed wakes up. The birds are singing and the dissonance from the previous night is almost mocking. Still, the storm is over, and the rest of their lives can now begin in calmness, just as Hohenheim said last night. 
Ed sits up, looking around. Al is still asleep, and Hohenheim is nowhere to be found, but Izumi is sitting in the chair. She gives him a tired smile. 
“Hey Ed.”
“Hi, Teacher. Where’d Hohenheim go?”
“The men’s room. And I think he’s probably searching for coffee as well.”
“Oh.” It’s such a mundane explanation for his absence and Ed has no idea why he was expecting something more weird and wonderful other than the fact his father seems to be a magnet for the weird and wonderful.
Ed is prevented from any further contemplation by the sound of Al yawning from the other bed. He scrunches his face up before he opens his eyes, and Ed’s missed that goofy expression so much. 
“Hey. Welcome back.”
“Hey.” Al looks over at Ed, and then at Izumi. “Hi Teacher.”
“Hey Al.”
“Was there a storm last night? I think I remember hearing thunder at one point.”
Ed laughs. “Yeah, it was ridiculous. I’m amazed you slept through it. Guess you really needed a nap, huh.”
“Yeah. I hadn’t realised how much I enjoy sleeping.” Al stretches out his thin arms and looks over at Ed again. “You could have woken me. I wouldn’t have minded.”
Ed shakes his head. “I think the nurses would probably have minded. You need all the sleep you can get to get your strength back. I was ok. Da-- Hohenheim was here.”
Al quirks an eyebrow at the slip but doesn’t say anything, and it’s another expression that Ed’s missed. He’s always known when Al’s making that face, even in the armour, there’s something in his silence that Ed knows equates to that little quirk, but at the same time, it’s so good to finally see it again. 
There’s a knock on the door and Sig and Hohenheim come in bearing coffee, handing off a mug each to Izumi and Ed. 
Hohenheim smiles on seeing Al awake. 
“Good morning Al. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, thanks. Honestly just any sleep is amazing right now.”
“We did check with the nurses but no coffee for Al,” Sig adds. “It’s good to see you awake, kid.” 
“That’s ok.” Al waves the arm with the IV line in. “Probably for the best right now.”
Ed just sits quietly, sipping his coffee, watching them all. It’s going to be strange now; his life has been completely turned on its head, but he knows that no matter what, he’s got Al to see him through it, and it seems like Hohenheim’s going to stick around. Maybe before Ed wouldn’t have wanted him to; they’ve got this far without him, they don’t need him going forward. But this is a time for new beginnings, and maybe a time for his feelings finally beginning to thaw, now that he knows Hohenheim takes that responsibility that has so long lain on Ed’s shoulders, now that he’s taking back that burden that has been Ed’s to bear alone for so long. 
It doesn’t undo everything that’s already been done and suffered; those memories will always be there and will always be painful. 
But it’s a start, and that’s all they need.
10 notes · View notes
whateverfandomworks · 3 years
Note
Who are your top ten favorite H50 characters and why?
Wow anon that's a tough question! And this might end up really long so bare with me
Number 10 - Fong. To this day I don't know why he got fazed out of the show. I thought he was really sweet and an interesting character with loads of potential to build up storylines from. And y'know, I kinda shipped him with Kono (sorry adam)
Number 9 - Junior. I genuinely thought he'd be further on the list, but he kept being bumped. I actually really liked him? Idk, i think the writers were out of ideas or unwilling to explore storylines and make the show interesting again by the end of s7, so when they introduced junior and tani, it was kinda refreshing? But I'm pretty sure I'm alone in this opinion (but s8-s9 was all kinds of meh in regards of character driven storylines for steve and danny)
Anyway, I loved his sunny disposition and how earnest he was. And him pining for tani was adorable
Number 8 - Nahele. Look, he appears for maybe 30 minutes in total throughout the show, but that's my baby. He had so much potential to push the storyline forward, specially for steve. (This ranking system is probably gonna turned out biased on how much potential a character had and got wasted). I really wished they had worked with his character better and not just fazed him out (they kept doing that huh? Just straight up giving up on characters)
Number 7 - Grace. Her relationship with danny is everything to me. But her relationship with Steve is also everything to me. When I was watching s9 last year and found she wasn't gonna appear in the final season i legit almost stopped watching, because the best thing about this show, for me personally, was all the interpersonal relationships
Number 6 - Chin. He's just the best. He takes no shit and he's so kind. It's a tough line to walk but he really does. He deserves all the best things. He took all the shit everyone threw at him and rose above it, roughly and ungracefully, but he did.
Number 5 - Lou. His humour just gets me, i don't know what to tell ya. And I almost went into shock when I realized he was cob from pushing daisies. I love that he has such big emotions. (I hate the ep that he overworks a golf assistant(?) Like it's nothing, its a big yikes for me). And I loved his rivalry with steve in the beginning. He was chased down from his home, and made himself a new one.
Number 4 - Tani. She really shone in the 8th season for me. And I think megan rath really brought the character to life. I wish her and danny had more interactions, because their combined snark would be glorious. I loved her storyline with koa and the few bits of backstory we got from her were really good. I love that she was virtually incapable of being chill about her feelings.
Number 3 - Wo Fat. He was a good ass villain and the writers chased that high unfruitfully for every season since. Up until the doris storyline he was really solid for me. A ruthless crime boss with connections everywhere and to everyone, who locks on a target and doesn't let go? Sign me up. That's the only villain for a guy like Steve McGarrett. And his undoing was his own hubris and ego. (But again, his doris storyline was kinda not that well done for me. The execs seemed kinda confused about their own show)
Number 2 - Kono. She owns my entire heart, what else can I say? I really wished her character arcs revolved more around her and not her relationship with Adam (sorry adam). I love that she's just so scrappy, and holds her own in a fight, but she cares so much about her loved ones, and she's such a good investigator that won't let go until she gets her perp.
Number 1 - Steve and Danny, as cliche as this might be. I couldn't pick just one for top spot, so they're tied. Steve is a broken man who tries so hard to put himself back together with the people around him. Danny is a broken man who tries so hard not be.
The show really was its best when their relationship wasnt thrown under the bus for petty reasons.
And wow this got away from me. I realise some of this is just me rambling about the stuff the show got wrong, sorry for that
But thanks for the ask, i thoroughly enjoyed thinking about this!
11 notes · View notes
turtle-paced · 4 years
Text
GoT Re-Watch: Fine-Toothed Comb Edition
This post is also available on my wordpress.
All right. We know what this episode is. We know what we’re digging into here. Only one more recap to go after this one…
8.05 – The Bells
(1:59) We open the episode with a bit of mild treason. Someone (Varys) is spilling the beans about Jon’s parentage.
(2:35) This isn’t spelled out in so many words, but the strong implication here is that Varys sent this little kid to go poison Dany. This didn’t come out of nowhere, but boy did it ever escalate quickly. Make one decision Varys disagrees with, even when he’s got no good alternatives, and bam you’re up for assassination.
Note how Varys’ actions here aren’t given much scrutiny. This is because it would reveal the hypocrisy in a second flat. When Varys says the ends justify the means, the narrative is silent. When Dany says the ends justify the means, the narrative goes out of its way to demonise her. I don’t believe the ends justify the means, but there is a fundamental lack of consistency here.
(3:52) Not to mention the goddamned fucking nerve of portraying Dany’s refusal to accept food as evidence that her mental state is deteriorating, when the show not one minute ago established that her food was poisoned. It’s the famous question – is it paranoia when they really are out to get you?
This is not a case of Dany harbouring the irrational and unfounded belief that her breakfast will coagulate into the Dread Brunchmonster and devour her. Given that Dany’s soldiers are watching the poisoner, this appears to be a case of Dany forming the belief that someone is trying to poison her and being justified in her belief. I gotta say, looking at the evidence and coming up with an accurate conclusion based on that evidence does not support narrative contentions of irrationality.
Unfortunately for Dany, the narrative’s out to get her as well. She cannot win. Eat the poisoned food and die, refuse the poisoned food and have Varys imply damaging things about her mental state.
(4:37) Varys is committing all the treason in his last scenes. This is the worst of the lot, in the sense that he’s soliciting Dany’s #1 fan for a coup on an open beach in plain view of her Hand, who knows that Varys can now be counted a political enemy. Square character pegs, round plot holes. Was Varys ever established to be this incompetent? But we’re getting close to the end here and he needs to die, so bye!
Notice also the competence flip. Varys is trying to do “the right thing,” so he sucks at it. Much like Jon’s ineffectual when he tries to do the right thing. Hell, pick a Stark, any Stark, and they were probably ineffectual when they tried to do the right thing. Compare Euron, who’s only out to kick shit down, and succeeds when he’s got no right to because he’s doing a shitty, plot-convenient thing. Now Dany’s in that Euron zone. She’s effortlessly detecting Varys’ treason because the narrative has decided she’s a bad guy now. We’ll get back to this when the fighting starts.
(5:19) If I was tempted to count one thing this season, one thing, it would be how many times Jon says “she’s my queen” or variation.
(6:03) We track Tyrion into this scene. It becomes quite noticeable at this point that we aren’t seeing much from Dany’s PoV, but approach her actions from the viewpoint of the men around her. We don’t get insight into why Dany thinks someone’s betrayed her or her emotional reaction to coming to this conclusion, we only get the scenes of Varys (absolutely positively 100% justifiably, for certain) betraying her, and Tyrion approaching her with the news. Keep that in mind for later.
It’s also worth mentioning the weather flip. Last season Dragonstone was perpetually sunny. Now it’s gone back to Stannis-in-charge weather.
(6:11) Oh my god! She’s not perfectly groomed! Flee for your lives, people, if she can leave her hair unbrushed she’s capable of anything!
Now, not taking care of your appearance and hygiene can be an indicator that someone’s got some mental issues going on. Depression, pretty commonly. But to understate the issue just a bit, depression does not automatically translate into mass murder. Not all mental disorders are the same. And sure as shit not all people with mental disorders are violent. Most aren’t. Nor is this a careful depiction of a character struggling with mental illness that does result in violent tendencies. This is just flat out crazy = violent, “madness” striking out of a clear blue sky because the writers said so.
(6:57) So, basically, this game of telephone worked exactly like Dany thought it would, for the exactly reasons she thought it would. Dany’s relationship with reality is still going strong.
Dany’s “madness,” right now, is basically the fact that she’s upset over being betrayed, and grieving and angry after recently witnessing the violent deaths of two close friends. The emotional reaction to this doesn’t even look disproportionate. The narrative is Very Concerned that Dany is crazy…but all they’ve shown us is a woman going through a real rough time.
Equating a woman experiencing turbulent emotions with insanity is sexist as fuck and does no favours for people experiencing mental illness, either. Hysterical women! They cannot be trusted to lead.
Mind you, it’s not an improvement when the writers apparently drop the insanity angle just as abruptly as they introduced it. Problems for later!
(7:44) “She trusted you to spread secrets that could destroy your own queen.” Now this, this isn’t so well-supported. Sansa hasn’t spent much time with Tyrion in season eight, and as far as we can tell, never observed his relationship with Varys. She’s been in the same scenes with them, but I think she’s only heard them exchange one line of dialogue, in a group setting. Why would Sansa think that Tyrion would immediately tell Varys without clearing it with Dany? Why would Dany think that Sansa would do this? (Undermine her in a general sense, yes, Dany’s got good reasons for suspecting that. Undermining her in this specific way…not so much.)
This, I think, is a case of the writers not keeping track of which characters have seen which interactions. Resulting in all characters knowing all the same things about their relationships.
If you’re going to hinge plot developments on this sort of thing, you have to set it up. If Sansa’s machinations are the starting point of the rumours about Jon’s parentage, leading to actual betrayals of Dany, you have to show how that plan worked. (See also: Littlefinger’s downfall.)
(9:25) It may have come about for stupid reasons, but Varys’ arrest is, I think, nicely understated. No dialogue, just Gray Worm entering Varys’ room with shackles.
(10:31) Varys nods his acceptance that Tyrion told on him to Dany. Seriously, though, what even was Varys’ plotting this episode? Show!Ned could have given him a few pointers.
Then he gets a few lines about how he hopes that he’s wrong about Dany, because Varys enlisting a small child into his assassination plot was only for the best. His desire for a better world was right and noble, despite the fact he was willing to use violence and treachery to achieve his ends. (Don’t think about it too much, okay?) Jon and Tyrion are clearly in denial over Dany’s mental decline.
(12:12) And that’s the end of Varys. Didn’t take long. Varys had to lose a lot of competence very quickly to enable that loose end to be wrapped up so quickly.
(12:58) This is a scene from Dany’s PoV, inviting the viewer to share her grief over Missandei’s death. I think this might actually be the last scene we get from Dany’s PoV.
(14:24) “This was a victory for [Sansa].” What’s also apparent at the end of the series is that we’re now at a point where we’ve got reasonable men trying to work together, and women pit against each other at every side. The surviving male protagonists have cordial relationships with each other, by and large – and the surviving female progatonists hate each other, by and large. The surviving female protagonists identify the other female protagonists as threats. The exception here is Sansa and Arya, but remember season seven? Oh boy, I sure do.
Forget the question of who’s more at fault for the Dany-Sansa conflict, because the answer is “the writers.” They’re the ones who can’t imagine that Dany and Sansa might be able to talk out their problems honestly, even if they don’t like each other, distinguishing each from Cersei’s inability to collaborate.
Again, for clarity – the problem isn’t that female characters are in conflict, the problem is that the majority of the female characters are in conflict, almost exclusively with other female characters, where the men are talking about their problems reasonably.
(15:56) Doubling down on completely awful ideas (yes, the bad ideas are increasing exponentially), we’re back to the idea that Dany is sad/insane over the fact that nobody loves her, and Jon’s romantic rejection furthers her mental decline and determination to kill her way to the top.
This is just…completely awful.
First, there’s the fact that Dany’s inability to win love in Westeros is a massive plot contrivance. Why hasn’t this character been able to gain affection? Because the writers haven’t been allowing the consequences of Cersei’s actions to play out (you know, the ones from the time she blew up the Sept of Baelor and murdered a lot of very popular political figures), making Dany look worse in comparison. Also because xenophobia, which for some reason the narrative is now actively supporting.
Second, after all the traumatic bullshit this character’s been through, it’s romantic rejection that sends her over the edge? Seriously? Rejection sucks, but come the fuck on. Is Dany going literally insane over rejection remotely in character, from what we’ve seen of her over the course of the seven previous seasons?
Thus far the dragon queen has needed a man like a fish needs a bicycle. This is flippin’ insulting.
Oh and it’s bad writing for Jon because we still don’t have the info that he’s squicked out by Dany being his aunt. No insight into his identity crisis whatsoever.
(16:07) We’re having the same argument yet again. We’ve been having this argument off and on for two seasons. Yes, Dany assaulting the city will cause a lot of casualties. This is bad. In-universe, however, the people who’ve been advocating for not assaulting the city directly have had their chance, and they failed. Dany gave their ideas a shot and they didn’t work. So what’s the greater evil here? Assaulting the city directly, or leaving Cersei in charge?
Note that the showrunners have ceased to talk about or show what makes Cersei in charge such a colossally bad idea in general. We’ve seen her actions against Dany, and they were bad, but we haven’t seen her going out and oppressing the population for a few seasons now. We get a line about the consequences of resisting Cersei, but when we’re told and not shown, this doesn’t have the same impact. We cannot even establish that this happened. Could’ve used a scene of that, instead of that garbage with Euron. Plus, over the course of the series, Tyrion has been quite consistently wrong about how willing his sister is to use violence and when she’s willing to use it.
Furthermore, we’ve got some double standards here! I know, I’m as surprised as you are. Dany is proposing a plan that will cause a lot of casualties, and this is used as justification for the men around her thinking she’s unfit to rule. When the series’ male leaders proposed and enacted plans that would kill a lot of people – including Tyrion, defending King’s Landing against Stannis! – that was not used to determine their fitness. Fitness for leadership was judged on other qualities.
(16:17) “You can’t expect them to be heroes, they’re hostages,” says Tyrion, apparently forgetting that his earlier advice to Dany relied on the people of King’s Landing rising up against Cersei.
(16:47) Now we’re turning a long-term argument, i.e. leaving Cersei in charge will cause more deaths over the long run than assaulting King’s Landing will in the short term (keeping in mind just who blew up the Sept of Baelor), into further evidence of Dany’s insanity and/or evil. You can think what you like about this argument, but it’s not an unreasonable argument to explore.
The showrunners have posed us a nasty ethical and moral problem in this plot. As wars tend to throw up. The only thing they seem to have to say about solutions, though, is “not this way.” Worse, they’re not actually addressing the counter-arguments, and basically going for the ad hom “but Dany is crazy and/or evil” instead.
(16:58) “If the city surrenders, they will ring the bells and raise the gates.” Continuity alert: back in S2, it was said outright that bells =/= surrender.
(18:04) Just establishing Jaime’s offscreen teleportation.
(18:14) Another undeniably crazy and/or evil moment from Dany: she puts Tyrion on a performance improvement plan. The madwoman. It’s not like he’s failed her before!
Oh, wait. He’s barely done anything but fail her.
(18:31) Scenes of overwhelmingly white civilians (over the course of the episode, I did spot a few people of colour amongst the King’s Landing extras), complete with vulnerable young children, continue pouring through the gates of King’s Landing. And yes, I do have to mention that they’re overwhelmingly white, given the subsequent depiction of Dany’s loyalist armies, who are overwhelmingly people of colour. We’ll talk about that then, when we’re fully dealing with Dany as a villain.
(19:54) Exhibit…what are we up to? I lost count…in “the writers kinda forgot Tyrion’s orders directly led to the death of Davos’ son, and they both know this.” Davos is fucking committing treason for Tyrion now.
(20:11) Oh, god, it’s Arya and Sandor encountering a nameless guard. This is going to be “witty,” isn’t it? Much like the writers have no way for Tyrion to elicit character-sensitive information but drinking games, they’ve got no way for Arya and Sandor to prove their likeability except random encounters with guards.
(21:15) Show!Tyrion’s shithouse Valyrian is basically Bella Swan’s clumsiness. It’s an endearing flaw that’s meant to show they aren’t perfect – but in its shallowness only shows that as conceived, this character was not given enough real flaws.
(22:24) Just confirming that Jaime’s here for Cersei, even believing her cause to be utterly futile. I really hope nobody was invested in Jaime/Brienne, because that’s just fucking brutal.
(22:36) Convince Cersei to change her course of action? To recap, Cersei’s lied about sending people north to help fight the zombie army, hired someone to kill the pair of these dunces, and rejected Dany’s most recent offer of peaceful surrender by murdering her BFF in front of her. Given the slightest opportunity to screw Team Let’s Not Get Turned Into Zombies over, she has screwed them over. What grounds do any of these characters have to think they’ve got even half a chance to convince her that this time, this time, she should really not screw them over? Fourthtime lucky?
At least Jaime’s got the excuse of a self-destructive co-dependent relationship. Tyrion’s just throwing Jaime’s life away here.
(22:49) “To be honest, I never really cared much for [the civilians of King’s Landing].” If it weren’t for, you know, the other thing, this might have been the worst characterisation thing this season and this series. This blatantly does not accord with the Jaime we saw develop over the course of season three. The reveal that Jaime gave up whatever good name he had in order to protect five hundred thousand people from burning to death calls for a substantial reevaluation of his character. It puts a lot of his actions and reactions into a very different context.
And now, in his last episode, the penultimate episode of the series, we get “lol no never mattered to me! All incest, all the time, baby!”
Flippin’ insulting. To any viewer who was remotely invested in Jaime’s storyline or character.
(23:02) Continuing to use Cersei’s pregnancy to humanise her. This just – I’m not sure if I can fully articulate how much this bugs me, and on how many levels. I’ll come back to the issue as the episode progresses, especially in her death scene, but for now…
Cersei’s pregnancy is not going to automatically radically change who she is as a person. I mean, it hypothetically could, it’s not outside the realms of possibility, but it’s by no means a given. She’s a grown-ass woman who’s already given birth to three children (possibly four, depending on retcons). She’s got a bunch of other strong life experiences and strongly-held beliefs. This pregnancy does not define her life. If she’s been saying “no, fuck off, I think I can win this and that will be best for my unborn child,” perhaps that’s worth paying attention to? Perhaps it’s her argument that needs to be addressed, rather than simply saying “but the baby”?
Note to characters: the issue you’re having with Cersei is that she mistakenly believes she can win the war, not that she’s hanging on to her position out of self-destructive spite. She might be deluding herself, but if anyone’s trying to convince her, they have to deal with that delusion. Not rely on appeals to emotion alone.
(23:50) Now it’s Tyrion committing some mild treason. To save Cersei. Who hired someone to kill him and Jaime both, in the last couple of episodes. Remember when Tyrion had actually complicated feelings about Cersei, back in the day? When he hated her for the shit she pulled and the way she treated him, but couldn’t totally give up on caring about her because she was his sister?
Yeah, I can’t help but notice that the more the show wants to demonise Daenerys for her actions in removing Cersei’s regime, the less complex Tyrion’s feelings about Cersei become.
(24:12) “Sail right past the Iron Fleet and into a new life?” Jaime asks, and Tyrion responds, “There isn’t going to be an Iron Fleet much longer.” And, what, Tyrion thinks that Jaime can sail right past Dany’s own forces, dragon included? Like finding Cersei won’t be real high up on Dany’s to-do list following gaining control of King’s Landing? Granted, if last episode is anything to go by, Dany’s field of vision while riding on Drogon is severely limited, but even so.
(25:39) So the brothers Lannister share their final farewell. Speaking of relationships that became less complex. This hits basically the same notes as their parting at the end of season four did. How has this relationship changed? How have the people involved changed? Where’s the progress? Where’s the journey? What is the story?
(25:54) The omissions from Tyrion’s book arc are rubbed in as he thanks Jaime for not treating him like a monster.
(26:37) Now here we have a shot of a bell tower, and I think I might be done with most of my substantive commentary for this episode. I’ll do a bit of narration so people can keep track of who’s going where and the like. We’ll try to keep the teleportation to the show and not the recap. There’ll be a few things of substance, and we’ll get to them, but most of the rest of this 77-minute episode is noisy destruction.
At least it’ll be well-lit noisy destruction. Ugh, and to think I asked for a daytime fight scene in my pre-S8 wishlist.
(27:03) Establishing the Iron Fleet with their ballistae, and Euron’s presence aboard.
(27:15) Establishing more Lannister forces on the walls, also with ballistae. The amount of hustling and bustling and locking and loading going on, this is shaping up to be a real fair fight.
(28:16) Arya and Sandor have made it inside the city.
(28:44) Jaime is also trying to make it inside the city. He took his glove off especially for this purpose. Meanwhile, the Golden Company march out.
(29:15) Here’s a nice detail – the Golden Company’s shields all have golden skulls painted on them.
(30:31) Cersei heads out onto the balcony, because that’s what she does these days, watch things from her balcony. She’s wearing a nice shade of red today, and it couldn’t possibly be coincidental that Cersei swaps back to the red outfits as Dany moves into all black outfits, could it? Huh, so weird. And extraordinarily subtle.
(31:30) We’ve got a bit of a subplot with this mother and daughter trying to enter the city. I sense heartstring-tugging…
(33:03) And now, establishing Daenerys’ location. On a dragon. In the sky. The music kicks in with her arrival.
(33:31) Daenerys starts doing what she should have done well over a season ago, and starts torching the Iron Fleet. Note that all aimbot tendencies have been turned off, today. Diabolus ex machina is no longer affecting Dany because she is the diabolus ex machina now, and nobody will be able to stop her. The forces of evil (as defined by the show, not me) will now be delivering an almighty curbstomping to the forces of also evil, and the innocent bystanders. It’s gritty. It’s real.
(33:58) It’s not too late for Euron to make his final miraculous escape from a ship just torched by Drogon, though. See you in half an hour, Euron! I’m sure you’ll make things worse when you show up.
(34:07) So that’s the Iron Fleet dealt with! Man, why didn’t Dany just do this back in 7.02 or 7.03? This is super easy! Could have saved a lot of lives amongst Dany’s Ironborn allies, Dornish allies, and Reach allies, too. Were their lives not worth preserving? Shortened the war, saved a lot of lives there. Increased resources available to deal with the ice zombies, possibly spread out the impact of those losses…
(34:47) So that’s the Lannister forces on the walls dealt with! Man, why didn’t Dany just do this back in 7.03 or 7.04? This is super easy!
I note that Dany’s attack on the Red Keep, while causing a lot of fatalities amongst the men on the walls, hasn’t caused any destruction in the city as yet. You wouldn’t want to rely on a fire not spreading, and anyone worried about the risks would be fucking right to do so, but it would seem to indicate that a bit of targeting can go on here. It’s not a case of “use fire in city = fwoosh!” Almost like risks can be managed, chances taken…
(36:20) So that’s the Golden Company dealt with! I’m glad they were in the story! They sure had an impact!
You know I’m looking at all this fire and destruction and thinking, wow, a character sure was set up to fail in multiple ways these past two seasons…and not very well, either.
(38:22) Dialogue! What a novelty! Anyhow, Qyburn tells us that all Cersei’s anti-dragon weapons have been destroyed.
(41:15) The Lannister soldiers defending the streets start to throw down their swords. Here is where the episode gets…nasty. Also the situation with Daenerys and her cause becomes narratively irretrievable. The fight is over.
We’ve got a lot of close up shots of Dany, but she hasn’t had any dialogue since…lemme check…about the seventeen-minute mark of the episode. We have not been tracking what she thinks of the city’s fall. The story decided she was a bad guy now at the end of the last episode, and we’re just cementing it now.
(43:07) The bells start ringing here, officially signifying surrender.
(43:31) But wait! Dany is listening to the bells and breathing heavily! She sobs, takes off towards the Red Keep –
(44:33) And starts randomly spraying fire on civilians. That’s right! No dialogue! No nothing! Dany hears bells and fucking snaps. Goes from liberator to mass murderer in a second. Starts killing thousands of people without a word. Because after everything, it’s the surrender she can’t handle.
This just doesn’t track. I’m sorry. It doesn’t. We spent all that time debating how much force Dany should use against legitimate military targets, even when the possibility of severe collateral damage was involved, and in this moment Dany starts going after civilians directly. Clearly a different sort of thing. Where is the connection? The logic? “Dany is willing to accept the risks of high collateral damage, therefore she’s just a bell ring away from murdering civilians deliberately and personally.” “Dany is willing to use extreme force against active military targets, therefore she’s willing to use extreme force against surrendered enemies and civilians.” What?
There are ways you can bridge those gaps. There’s the way I think the books may well go down in TWoW – Dany misjudges the risks out of aggression (and ignorance of the magical explosives in town), and her actions end up causing far more destruction than she was okay with. There’s the way where Dany believes that the civilians are a threat to her, out of paranoia or delusion (note: this requires more set-up than Dany not enjoying herself at a party and failing to brush her hair after her spymaster tried to poison her). The show’s done neither, leaving us no explanation for why Dany has crossed what’s a pretty clear moral and ethical line, above and beyond any moral ambiguity in using her dragon against a military target.
If we’re going for “her logic is twisted because she’s ~crazy~”, the viewer still needs that explanation. Why did she think this made sense? This is a huge, radical action in the story, whether Dany’s insane or whether she drank evil juice with her non-poisoned breakfast, so where’s the scaffolding around this decision? She couldn’t even shout down to Jon that it wasn’t over until Cersei is dead?
Also note that the close-ups on Dany’s face and the heavy breathing would indicate that this is an emotional decision for Dany. These close-ups have been used thus far this season to indicate her growing insanity/“insanity”. Another issue to discuss next episode.
Mostly, I think the showrunners have subbed Dany in for JonCon – who, unlike Dany, does have bell-related surrender trauma. Here’s the thing though, and I know this is a minor point easily missed in these thousand-page apiece books: JonCon isn’t Dany. Find/replace is not a good way to adapt cool storylines from the books.
In addition to this, it’s real fucking irksome that after all the song and dance a few seasons back about the strong female characters taking charge, we get this. Female characters in charge, yes, but female characters who are both crazy and/or evil, which we can see because they keep blowing up the same damn city. I hate that this is the final conflict of the series. What’s more dangerous than the humanity-obliterating ice zombies? Women being in charge of Westeros, because they keep blowing up the same damn city. I hate that this is how they decided to treat arguably the series’ most prominent female character, let’s make her Cersei at her evilest, but even eviller and more fiery. Isn’t it cool that we went back on what was thus far a pretty straightforwardly heroic narrative, blowing all her moments of moral ambiguity and ruthlessness far out of proportion to her arc as a whole to that point? I bet this will subvert everyone’s expectations!
I just – I just want to know why. Really I do. Why was this decision made? What did the writers think the connotations of their decisions were? How did the writers think this would play? Honestly, now.
This also marks the point where the episode starts to just fucking suck to watch, because it’s another half hour of previously sympathetic characters mass murdering civilians. Half a fucking hour. Mass slaughter of extras. It’s destruction porn, nothing more. It’s not designed to make the audience think about the moral hazards of war and power, it’s meant to hurt the audience.
Asshole storytelling – the story gave the audience something to want, in Daenerys, won over several seasons of seeing her overcome internal and external obstacles. It gave the audience Daenerys’ success. And then the story abruptly yanked it away by having Dany mass murder thousands upon thousands of innocent civilians, and told the audience they were stupid for not seeing it coming earlier.
*sigh* Let’s get the rest of this over with.
(45:05) Jon is mildly bemused by Grey Worm murdering a Lannister soldier unprovoked. Can we buy a reaction? Nor does he do anything you might expect a leader to do, such as exert authority over the situation on the ground.
I mean, I know that they’re going for Jon being shocked into numbness, and as a member of the audience I can relate to the emotion. But when everyone’s reaction to things is Dull Surprise, nobody’s reaction stands out.
(45:23) Okay. Crucial seconds after the fact, Jon starts reacting. What this scene also does is establish that the Northern armies are getting well into the sacking and slaughtering (as does the extended sequence of wanton slaughter afterwards). That’s yet another thing I’m going to be keeping in mind for next episode.
(46:42) Speaking of Dull Surprise. The problem’s not Peter Dinklage (nor Kit Harrington, actually), the problem’s the lack of variety in response.
(47:03) Davos here starts ushering civilians out of the line of fire and proves himself far more effective a leader in the moment than…well. Just about anyone else present, actually.
(47:43) Oh no! The Dull Surprise has taken over the extras, too!
(48:10) Jon Snow, still wandering around scenes of carnage as they just sort of occur around him.
(49:03) Lena Headey’s doing her best with this “keep the emoting minimal” instruction, but yeah, nobody thus far has been allowed to have a reaction to Dany burning a city down for funsies beyond maybe a slightly dropped jaw.
(49:29) Meanwhile, Jaime has made it all the way around the Red Keep.
(49:35) …where, quite coincidentally, Euron is hanging out. So I was wrong, it was twenty minutes until he showed up for his last diabolus ex machina.
(50:17) So this isn’t so much a climactic duel against an epic backdrop as a misplaced ego fight. Euron’s revolting and basically a plot device for bad things to happen to other people, Jaime’s burned all sympathy anyone may have ever had for him, they’re fighting over Cersei of all people, Euron’s only doing this to be fucking obnoxious one last time…what’s the audience supposed to hope for here, beyond “I hope you both die”?
(50:33) While Jaime and Euron fight, the Red Keep’s getting absolutely torched.
(51:51) Two minutes of Jaime and Euron flailing at each other, concluding with Jaime getting stabbed, nobody cares…
(52:08) Qyburn continues to give Cersei notifications on how fucked her situation is, and he convinces her to leave. Strange, he never once mentioned the fact that she’s pregnant to do so.
(52:48) Green fire is visible in the city, another thing which makes me think that the showrunners were lifting from the books. Badly, with key things out of context (like the order of events), but grabbing from planned book events nevertheless.
(53:33) Back at the Euron-Jaime dick-fighting contest, Jaime stabs Euron. Still don’t care.
(54:09) Euron dies insisting how awesome he is for stabbing Jaime. How nice for him.
(54:35) Arya and Sandor make it into the map room. They’re not even dusty.
(54:43) We get a close-up of Sandor, Arya fuzzy in the background, as Sandor tells Arya to go home. This, much like the scene they shared last episode, puts Sandor in the protagonist role. Not Arya.
For a while now, Arya has felt like an afterthought. Her skills built up to killing the Night’s King through the magic of hasty retcons, but as far as an internal character journey goes, she’s been a side character in other people’s development. First Sansa, now Sandor. Again, this is something I anticipate talking about in a bit more detail in the next episode’s recap, but I think the showrunners lost sight of Arya Stark as a character in the last few season, and started bouncing her between plot points they wanted her involved in.
(55:04) Sandor stops here to tell Arya the point of their respective stories. Somewhat belatedly, I might add, given that she’s already slaughtered most of House Frey. Just in case it wasn’t coming across, or was somehow undermined by the events that are about to transpire.
(55:32) After being informed of the futility of her quest, Arya remembers, “Oh hey! I have a few things to live for! Thanks for pointing that out!” She doesn’t come to this on her own, she has to be told this.
(56:53) Sandor appears on the stairs, ready for Cleganebowl.
(57:36) Gregor rather abruptly kills Qyburn (bye!) and Cersei excuses herself from a scene she clearly has no business in. Seriously, it’s like she alked onto the wrong set.
(57:59) So here we are for a far more hyped up duel, another fight to the death against an epic backdrop. And again: why should I, the viewer, care? Sandor just said that this was absolutely pointless, that they’re both going to die anyway. The stakes of this fight…aren’t real high. The emotional torque relies on people wanting Sandor to get revenge at the direct expense of finding some way to move on with his life – the very path he just told Arya was a better one.
(59:20) Ah, the true love of the series: Cersei and Jaime. Reunited at last. What even are the choices here. Never mind, let’s just enjoy Lena Headey’s Cersei.
(1:00:46) More Cleganebowl. It’s a fight. With a zombie.
(1:02:00) Arya heads out into a rapidly crumbling and burning King’s Landing.
(1:03:31) Swapping between Cleganebowl (still a fight with a zombie) and Arya (still in a city in the process of being destroyed).
(1:04:12) The woman who was trying to get through the gates earlier with her daughter helps Arya to her feet. Oh yeah, there’s definitely going to be some heartstring-yanking here. Back to Cleganebowl.
(1:06:05) Which ends when Sandor tackles Gregor out the collapsing walkway into the flames below. Again, I got nothing. This fight meant nothing. It did nothing. Except help contribute to the undermining of Arya’s story, such as it became (do as I say, not as I do!) and kill off some useless characters, uh, provide fanservice, uh, wrap up loose ends.
(1:06:20) Back to Jon, still just kinda existing in the devastation, now with greener fire. Clearly he needs a dragon to scream at.
(1:06:44) Fucking finally! Jon does something useful and effective, in starting to arrange for his own forces to leave the burning city. About twenty minutes after he should have, but he got there in the end.
(1:07:10) Back to Arya, who’s most definitely dusty now. Writers seem to be trying to fake out her death an awful lot this episode. How many buildings can fall on the poor woman?
(1:10:17) Sure enough, the woman who tried to help Arya, and her daughter, are tragically incinerated in front of Arya’s very eyes. Didn’t see that coming, did you?
(1:10:25) Back to Jaime and Cersei in the collapsing tunnels of the Red Keep.
(1:10:49) Only their escape route is blocked.
(1:11:15) Ramin Djawadi doing his best as per usual brings in an echo from “Light of the Seven,” aka the music that played when Cersei blasted the Sept of Baelor. She did that! Just in case people and/or characters can’t recall as far back as season six.
(1:11:28) Unfortunately, we get this bullshit for Cersei and Jaime’s respective deaths, which is all about how she wants to live because she’s got a wanted pregnancy. I’m not averse to showing that Cersei is human with human frailties, but the viewer is fundamentally being asked to feel bad for this woman because she is pregnant. Ignore the woman (and the entirety of her life), focus on the pregnancy. We also have some goddamned icky creator comments contextualising this scene as Cersei being just a girl seeking comfort from a man, or some such bullshit that infantilises Cersei and reduces Jaime’s range of appropriate emotions in this situation.
It also continues to be extremely gross that the writers are treating Cersei’s romantic relationship, and her motherhood and potential motherhood as her foremost humanising, sympathetic characteristic – while out there unloved, infertile, human-childless Dany has snapped and started murdering thousands of people because nobody loves her.
I’ll have more to say about gendered character death next episode. Yes, I’m keeping a list. It’s getting pretty long.
(1:12:42) The music switches back to “The Rains of Castamere” for the actual Lannister deaths. Rocks fall. Jaime and Cersei die in each other’s arms.
(1:13:15) Ash falls in King’s Landing, and Arya wakes up yet again. This is like the third time in the past twenty minutes. Would you believe she’s still in a burning city?
(1:14:59) A random blood-spattered white horse appears on the set for Arya to ride. The symbolism here would be anvilicious, if not for a) the next episode and b) the fact that this goes nowhere. In case you didn’t get the point, though, there’s been a lot of death this episode!
207 notes · View notes
effymaybe · 3 years
Text
Might buy, might bite
Lisa is having a terrible night. She makes some poor decisions, unaware of a certain creature awaiting in the dark. - 
Vampire!Jennie because it is not Halloween but vampires are always cool.
Pairing: Jennie/Lisa
Warnings: Mature content but the sexy kind / Vampires are not known by establishing ideally healthy relationships on the first try / I haven’t written in months and you CAN notice 
Tumblr media
The night is unusually dark.
The few stars above palpitate almost painfully, and the darkish clouds invisible against the black mattress of the sky become only evident as they engulf the full moon in a loose hug. The contrast creates a faint, somber light that coats the quiet neighborhood as in a silent spell, and the yellowish glow of the few artificial lanterns surrounding the street only contribute to the mysterious vibe of the otherwise familiar landscape.
The absolutely rational portion of Lisa’s brain knows very well that a woman should never walk alone at night. She also knows, stored along other probably-live-saving hacks, that in case of finding herself indeed walking alone at night, she should never ever choose a lonely, poorly illuminated shortcut to reach her destination.
Now, although Lisa’s rationale works quite well, her emotional side couldn’t give less a fuck about surviving.
And that’s how she finds herself walking-running-crying throughout the most dangerous way home.
Her overly-expensive makeup is intact, thankfully, but the tight white dress she chose to impersonate an angel at that damn Halloween party is crumbled everywhere. Her long, black hair is quite messy, but at least her bangs are still in place. She’s running in her heels, much at the sake of her feet, and the ridiculous white wings she was so proud about just three hours ago hit softly against her back as she rushes to burry herself under a billion mattresses.
It’s pitiable, really, how he manages to break her heart in more and more pieces every time she decides to put it back into his hands.
It’s pitiable, too, how every single person she knows manages to betray her at least once.
Lisa stops in her tracks, feeling her long legs weakening suddenly. A ragged sob escapes from her plump lips as she brings her hands up to contain the tears spilling mercilessly from her eyes.
It was supposed to be a fun, happy party to celebrate that the big group of whatever they mean with “friends” could finally gather together after a long time of isolation. She prepared herself along with the girls, her own doe eyes shining in poorly-hidden excitement. She laughed genuinely at the questionably-mannered comments about her costume, drank a bit of rosé even before they got to the gathering. Once there, her boyfriend dedicated her a crooked, cocky smile and grasped her roughly by the waist in what Lisa considered a sign of appreciation. They danced and they drank alcohol. At some point, the brunette thought that her partner was going to kiss her, but he merely hugged her stiffly every time Lisa stared into his eyes.  
Then, time passed and he disappeared. Lisa’s so-called friends spread throughout the place to dance without her. Her feet started to hurt and the party got uncomfortably warm. She looked for him with her doe eyes lost under the flashing lights until she decided he wasn’t on the gigantic living room.
Then, she looked upstairs.
And she heard the moans even before she actually saw something.
Lisa didn’t want it to be her boyfriend. Her hands shook as she merely pushed the half-closed door completely open. She stared with her heart already weeping as the man that had promised her never to hurt her again twice engaged quite passionately in a much intimate activity with a girl who, amidst the dirty blonde hair covering her face, looked quite familiar.
It only took Lisa two seconds.
Her boyfriend was fucking her best friend.
Lisa ran downstairs, crying, ignoring her now ex-boyfriend’s weak protests and her ex-best-friend’s voice basically begging him to forget her and come back to bed. When she found to her group, or what she could gather of it, with her eyes already filled with tears, the simply told her that of course they knew and that she was kinda stupid not to notice, really.
Lisa bolted out of the party with her usually sunny spirit completely shattered.
Which brings her to her current situation, still sobbing desperately as the alley she is walking through gets gloomier and gloomier.
Fuck him. Fuck them, too. I deserve better. I deserve-
She catches a weak, airy sound with her left ear.
Lisa turns around suddenly sober and suddenly very much aware of the fact that she got herself in quite a disadvantageous situation.
The night got warmer, somehow. The moonlight has given up under the insisting obscure clouds.
Lisa feels the cold shiver of pure fear shooting through her spine and relaxes only slightly when she cannot spot anybody around the place.
She swallows thickly as she starts to walk faster, her footwear clicking on the pavement almost as if giving her in.
The brunette feels wired in, hyperaware. The fain sound of the wind makes her shoulders tense. She catches a quick shadow with the corner of her eye and only gets more nervous when she can still see nothing.
The narrow space crooks at some point, and Lisa inhales deeply.
She can do it.
She will walk straight home and gather plenty of strength and call her stupid ex-boyfriend to tell him-
But she cannot keep walking.
As her slender body submerges more profoundly into the darkness of the night, a strong grip pushes her against the rough, cold wall of the alley. She fights back, absolutely terrified. Her heart hammers painfully against her choked chest, and she feels the tingles of pure adrenaline strengthening her arms.
And yet, the grip remains solid.
Lisa thinks about shouting, crying, breaking down in a loud wail hoping to be rescued. Just then, with her voice already reaching her throat, she realizes that the figure keeping her in place is slightly shorter than her.
Feminine, surprisingly delicate.
Lisa can’t scream.
Her eyes search widely the ones of her captor, absolutely dumbfounded, and it is at that moment when the moon can finally push the disturbing darkness away from its light.
As the alley gets brighter, Lisa is left absolutely breathless.
Just in front of her, with both hands immobilizing her body completely, stands the most beautiful girl Lisa has seen in her entire life.
Her face is soft, but cut sharply by prominent cheekbones. Her eyes, dark as the silent sky, are drawn in a cat-line shape that makes her gaze simply melting. Her nose is delicate, small, and her indented philtrum leads to luscious, curved lips. Her forehead is half-covered by open bangs, and her light-brownish hair falls in irresistible waves against her soft jaw. Her dress, tight, black, and visibly expensive, exposes prominent collarbones and a set of curves that should be illegal for a single woman to have.
Lisa only realizes that she’s staring when she hears a soft teasing chuckle.
“Well, hello, honey”.
The brunette presses her lips together in a nervous habit. The girl’s voice is sultry, tempting.
She finds herself struggling for a few seconds before answering.
“Huh- Who…? What…?”
The beauty in front of her licks her mouth almost as if gloating. Her grip remains stoic.
“Who are you, honey?”
Lisa feels somewhat offended. She tears her astonished gaze away from the girl’s face to focus on trying to escape.
“No, who are you? What is this? Let me go!”
She tries with all her will, but the light-brunette’s grip does not give in.
There is something… wrong with it. Cold. Too steady.
It feels like she’s struggling against iron.
Another chuckle heats up her cheeks.
“I’m Jennie”, she hears, and Lisa stops fighting for a moment, “There is no need to be so rude. I was just trying to put a name on my next meal”.
The tallest girl scoffs loudly but grows quiet at the girl’s determined expression.
Jennie doesn’t sound like she’s joking.
“You smell so good”, the shortest girl murmurs. Lisa can’t move. She’s suddenly scared again, as her brain tries desperately to put some of the pieces of all that nonsense together. “Let me….”. The light-brunette shifts, burring her face bluntly against her neck. Lisa is still terrified, really, but Jennie’s chilly breath against her skin rises pleased goosebumps here and there.
The shortest girl runs her nose up her prey’s throat, absolutely delighted.
“Oh, sweetie, you smell fantastic. Fuck”.
Lisa trembles as her skepticism falters.
“Oh my god. Oh my god. What the hell are you?”
She hears a delicate, throaty chuckle vibrating against her pulse point.
Lisa’s knees give in further, somehow.
She tries earnestly to remind herself that the serious possibility of getting murdered in the same night she found her boyfriend having sex with her best friend should not be sexy at all.
“You know the answer, already, cutie. Don’t you?”
Jennie pulls away to lock her gaze with Lisa’s again. There is a predatory glint, a paralyzing edge that makes her cat-like eyes seem as if they could pick on every piece of the tallest girl’s soul.
“I… yes. No, I mean…. You don’t exist. This can’t be”.
The shortest girl’s lets a perfect eyebrow curve in a teasing manner. Lisa can tell that she’s plenty enjoying whatever sick pre-murder game she’s playing. She’s beautiful, the dark-haired girl thinks helplessly. Stunning. Jennie’s luscious mouth spreads in an open, gummy smile that would look adorable if it wasn’t for the –absolutely threatening and not at all attractive- sight of her pointy fangs in display. Lisa manages to stop staring at the girl’s reddened lips to focus on her intense orbs once again, and she lets out a breathless gasp when she sees deep coffee turning into bloody red.
“I do very much exist, gorgeous. And this definitely can be. I wasn’t even going to hunt today, but…” Jennie brings mouth closer to Lisa’s jaw. “Your scent… I had to have you”.
Jennie is not exactly courting. She’s more like being a blood-thirsty, all-powerful, over-intense vampire. Yet, Lisa finds herself blushing like a damn idiot. She knows, at a relatively conscious level, that the smoking light-brunette is just speaking about the very much needed liquid that runs through her veins and not about her whole physique.
She’s about to be Jennie’s next meal. And as the vampire´s fingers indent more profoundly in her skin, she discovers that there is no way out.
So she stays, somewhat embracing her destiny. Her ex-friends are shit. Her ex-boyfriend is shit. Her father is shit. She doesn’t really know whether her mom is shit or not because she abandoned when she was a child so- well that probably makes her shit, too.
At least she’ll die at the hands of a gorgeous woman.
Meanwhile, Jennie’s stare has changed. Deep red has settled in her orbs, but now she’s staring at Lisa’s features with scrutinizing detail. Her head is tilted. The tallest girl can see the delicate mole sitting just above her left eye. Her aura is intense, and definitely hypnotizing, and the brunette finds out that she has stopped fighting against the vampire’s embrace long minutes ago.
“You are so beautiful, sweetheart”, Jennie murmurs suddenly, and lets the pad of her index finger run softly against Lisa’s forehead, then the bridge of her nose, her pouty lips, her strong jaw. The tallest girl trembles, finding it difficult to draw deep breaths. Jennie’s touch is icy against her overly-heated face and it feels so nice, so charming. “So beautiful, baby. Tell me your name”.
And Lisa doesn’t even put up a fight.
“Lisa…Manoban”.
“Mmh, we’ll see that”, Jennie answers, and licks her lips as she traces her blunt nails against her prey’s throat. “You are so enticing, darling”, then, as an afterthought, Jennie brings her gaze up to Lisa’s mouth, “I bet you have an owner already… well… that’s not my problem, really”.
A twisted smile crawls up Jennie’s smug expression, and the brunette scoffs loudly.
“I do not have-”, her voice falters as the vampire’s starts to trace messy patterns up and down her thigs, “An owner. I mean, nobody does. It is not-”, the shortest girl’s nose dips back into her neck, “It doesn’t work like that”.
She feels another cold chuckle pressing against her skin.
“Fine, then. A boyfriend? A girlfriend? A partner?”
Lisa opens her mouth to answer. She’s about to be dismissive, really. If the vampire is really about to suck her dry, there is no need for her to put her fingers inside such a hurtful open wound.
But she can’t speak. She feels her lungs aching for air as Jennie starts to drag her velvety lips against her racing pulse point.
“I asked you a question”, she hears up her jaw, “Do you have a partner, Lisa?”. Jennie’s left arm squeezes Lisa’s small waist firmly, demanding. The tallest girl feels hazy as the vampire leaves open-mouthed kisses along her exposed skin.
“I- no. No, he… he cheated on me”.
Lisa guesses that the mere thought of the past events in the night should make her feel profoundly depressed. It’s actually kind of hard to think properly with the vampire’s sweet scent engulfing her senses.
Jennie stops suddenly, and the tallest girl feels irrationally disappointed.
“Is that why you were crying?”, the shortest girl asks, her red eyes- now more threatening than ever- burning into Lisa’s doe stare.
“I… how long have you been-”
The light-brunette frowns as her mouth curls downwards.
Lisa realizes that the girl likes her answers straight.
Well, damn.
“Since you left that stupidly loud party. What a waste of time for a beauty like you”.
The brunette is left speechless. She stares at the shortest girl with slight surprise. She doesn’t really know what a cold-blooded vampire that clearly has her under her entire disposition could win by such a display of sensibility.
Then, something changes. The light-brunette smirks once again, as if empowered, her aura shifting towards something dangerous, irresistible. Her soft hands start to run up and down Lisa’s body slowly, grazing the underside of her breasts, and the tallest girl cannot even think about the fact that she could try to run away once again.
“Don’t you see, sweetie?” Jennie murmurs deceiving against the skin of her neck, “Don’t you see that I could treat you so well?”.
The vampire inhales deeply just pressing against her prey’s pulse point, as if trying to contain something extremely forceful. “I could make you feel so good, baby, so good”. When Jennie’s hands reach to palm her breasts gently, Lisa gives up. She closes her eyes, powerless, and her mouth falls open as the shortest girl licks along her jawline, now exploring her back. “I love this”, the brunette hears vibrating against her ear, and it takes her a moment to realize that Jennie is talking about the damn wings, “They look cute. It was so fun following you around”.
“Oh my god”, Lisa breathes, and the shortest girl smiles against her neck.
The moon shines brightly now. The shadows of the night highlight Jennie’s acute features almost dangerously. There is a faint scent, hers, all hers, that clouds Lisa’s thinking. When she feels a firm, naked leg parting her own thighs, the tallest girl can’t help but to throw her head back in a spur of delight. The firm pressure against her moisty heat sends her into a frenzy.
“You are so beautiful baby. All for me. You just have so say yes”.
Lisa’s dizzy judgment wonders why would a vampire need permission for something that she can take so easily.
When Jennie starts to suck reddish spots on her sensitive skin, the brunette can hardly gather another thought.
“Say yes, beautiful. Let me taste you”. The vampire nibbles at Lisa’s velvety throat with her front teeth, soft at first and more insistently due the lack of response. A needy groan goes past Jennie’s lips as the tallest girl’s flavor falls onto her tongue. “Fuck, sweetie. Come on. Say yes. Give in, Lisa”.
Jennie uses her strong hands to guide the tallest girl’s waist so she can ride her leg in a steady pace. The dirty mewl that breaks off Lisa’s throat should be enough, but she knows that the vampire wants straight answers and she would give her anything, anything she wants just to keep up with the pleasing friction.
“Yes”, she lets out in a moan, feeling her body pleasingly trapped between the vampire’s strong body and the rough wall. “Yes, yes, oh-”.
Jennie doesn’t want any longer. She doesn’t think she can actually. The smell of Lisa’s thick blood now combined with her raw wetness unveil an animalistic nature she tried to keep at bay. She drags her piercing fangs along the brunette’s neck once, just to tease her a bit further, before actually biting down in pure need.
The taste alone almost gets her off.
It’s delicious, succulent, rich, even more addictive than she expected.
Jennie has never stopped herself from drinking blood, whether fresh or packed, whenever she needed it. She has been in it for centuries, damn it, and yet Lisa’s tangy-sweet savor is something her now gleeful taste buds have never experienced.
The vampire smiles in an almost sick euphoria as she feels the thick liquid spilling here and there. She alternates between sucking earnestly and lapping in a happy delirium, and feels the girl against her getting desperate to speed up her delicious motions.
For Lisa, it was brief pain, the feeling of sharp needles piercing through her skin.
And then, pure, consuming bliss.
She didn’t even know it could feel like that. It probably can’t, in normal conditions, but she is not even able to consider it properly properly with her clothed core grinding wet against Jennie’s bare thigh.
“Fuck, baby. You are the most exquisite thing I’ve ever tried”.
Lisa hears the vampire’s words coming in short gasps. It turns her on even further. Everything feels so nice, so damn right that she can’t bring herself to care anymore. When Jennie tongues the fresh wounds in her throat, she clenches hard.
“Such a good girl, Lisa. All mine”.
The brunette feels the vampire’s tongue deep inside her mouth before she realizes that she’s moving. A tang of copper combines with a cherry-like flavor that can only be Jennie’s. She mewls against the shortest girl’s mouth, her eyes shut closed as she takes in the relentless waves of pleasure that shoot through her body.
Lisa begins to thrust in abandon. She wants to thank Jennie for helping her find the perfect pace with her steady hands. She wants to thank her for making her feel so, so fucking good. She wants to be perfect for her at that moment and offer, just offer it all. A burning fire sets low, and it grows impossibly grand. She feels it tying and tying and she wants to cry out in desperation. She pleads right against the vampire’s demanding lips.
“Please, please… Please, Jennie”.
She doesn’t even know what she’s asking for, but the light-brunette does. With just a flicker of her wrists, Jennie changes the angle of Lisa’s thrusts. The shift hits perfectly, just there, all that the brunette needed, and she hears as the occasional moans she can’t help but to let out when Jennie releases her swollen lips get increasingly louder.
“It’s okay, sweetheart”, the vampire sucks in her tongue just for another moment, “Come for me. Show me, baby. I want to see it all”.
Lisa does not need any more convincing.
As if wired to Jennie’s firm orders, her body lets go in a powerful release that has her high for a few minutes. When she comes down, she feels Jennie’s lips catching a few tears of pure overstimulation falling from her eyes.
She is panting, damp, and incredibly exhausted, she gathers both because of the astonishing peak and the non-incidental loss of blood. Her head falls almost shyly on top of the shortest girl’s shoulder, but the vampire seems completely unbothered by the gesture.
She keeps holding her, waiting. Her hands run through her back almost soothingly, and then begin to fix her clothes in a surprising display of care. When Jennie’s knuckles graze against her underwear, Lisa jolts and whimpers a half-serious complaint.
The vampire smiles.
“You did so well, beautiful”, Lisa feels soft pecks pressed against the skin of her neck, “but I think you ruined your panties”.
The brunette allows herself to chuckle before inhaling deeply.
It’s clearly over.
A shiver of fear runs through her spine but there is not much else to do. She knows that there is no point in even trying to run away. She’s not even sure of being able to stand without Jennie’s anchoring arms.
“Are you… gonna kill me now?”
Lisa feels as the vampire detaches herself slowly from her body.
Her heart starts to beat furiously against her chest.
It’s truly over isn’t it?
She makes an effort to meet Jennie’s intense gaze with hers. When she finds pure confusion in a renewed coffee tone, she doubts her own words, too.
“Kill you, darling? What are you talking about?”
Lisa hesitates for a moment.
“Huh, since you are… a vampire and all”.
Brief recognition illuminates Jennie’s expression to then be replaced by an almost edged amusement.
“Oh, baby”, she murmurs, and uses her knuckles to caress the tallest girl’s features almost reverently, “You really thought I would kill you? And deprive myself from a gorgeous human like you? Absolutely not. I’ve been looking so long to find someone exactly like you. And now that I have…” her fingers grasp the brunette’s chin, forcing their stares to melt, “you are mine, Lisa. And I take care of what belongs to me”.
The tallest girl opens her mouth, stunned. She figures she should feel furious.
She’s mostly in disbelief.
“But…”
“You already said yes, cutie”, Jennie giggles. She looks so young, suddenly mischievous, happy with herself. “I have already marked you. There’s no way out”.
Again, Lisa figures she should feel furious.
She’s mostly… considering.
“I’m going to take you home now”, Jennie tells her, and eyes Lisa’s neck in a bust of pride. “I promised the girls that I was going to take a human someday. They’ll be ecstatic”.
“The girls?”, Lisa mumbles. She feels Jennie’s hand grasping hers, pulling her in, dragging her somewhere.
Her feet follow as if in a spell.
“Rosé and Jisoo. They are getting bored, I guess. It’s been only us three for centuries. They could use some new company”, there is a pause, “as long as I make their boundaries really clear”.
“Boundaries?”
Lisa is lost, but not completely. There is something growing in her chest. A warm, fuzzy feeling.
“I don’t share, Lisa”.
“Oh”.
They stay in silence for a few seconds. Jennie analyzes Lisa’s expression carefully. Her hold is firm and cold, yet somewhat tender. The tallest girl simply waits. There is no need to make a decision. She feels her own limbs going back to a relaxed, pleased position.
“Ready, darling?”
Jennie is testing her. In response, Lisa licks her lips. The faint taste of iron and strawberries makes her smile.
“Yes, I am ready”.
Jennie’s eyes light up in silent happiness only to turn deep brown again.
“Perfect. Let’s hurry up. I’m dying to taste the rest of you”.
Lisa wonders if she’ll get to sleep before that happens. Or if she’ll make it into some form of a shower.
As she delights herself with the gorgeous figure of her captor, she figures she doesn’t mind, really.
45 notes · View notes
Note
hi! I really love this blog,and your opinion about HT losing Mo was amazing as always! and it made me want to know how it would be if it's other boys?like,Mo losing HT?Jian losing Zhan?
Hello, dear anon!
Before anything else, I’m sorry to have kept your ask waiting for so long. It seems I needed a specific mood to answer this question, and it took a while. Thank you for your patience!
Secondly, I’m happy you have enjoyed the content and my mullings. Thank you! It’s always nice to hear my scribblings have reached someone.
Writing that answer about HT losing MGS was fun but challenging, and it seems like this “follow-up” was no different. Here are some previous posts that I think are worth checking out regarding this topic:
What if HT lost MGS? (the ask you referred to)
Long-distance relationship - Zhanyi vs. Tianshan
What if HT disappeared for 3 years?
19 Days - what if, feat. Picrew (bonus fun! I hope...)
Just like with HT losing MGS, there are some variables that make these kinds fo scenarios a bit tricky. For this, I will stick to two main ones:
A lost B without knowing what happened to them
A lost B knowing that they’re gone for good (dead).
Probably needless to say but...angst warning. Let’s get started!
If MGS lost HT
I think this scenario is probably the “easiest” one to begin with. Not to make MGS sound heartless but if he lost HT, I think his life would continue pretty much the same. Regardless of whether it’s the first or second possibility. I think how MGS could react to HT being gone has already been shown both in the current timeline and in the Christmas specials that took place in the future. MGS kept moving (school, work, daily routines), and his life didn’t really come to a screeching halt.
However, all that being said, that’s just what’s on the surface. MGS’s life didn’t perhaps get off balance, but we know he was...if not worried, then at least curiously concerned about HT’s whereabouts. Especially when he disappeared after the fight and went to see his father. In the Christmas specials, MGS seemed surprised when HT suddenly showed but also - dare I say - a bit relieved? In the same way than when HT showed up at his place, practically sleeping on his feet. To me, MGS’s “you came back” is a sign of relief and that he was worried and concerned.
Those cases I think come close to how I see MGS would react if HT disappeared or if MGS knew he was gone for good. I think his life would move on, as cold as that might sound. He would keep working long hours, earn whatever money he can, and continue to make his way in the world. I doubt he would actively go looking for HT or that his life would get off its rails in a way that would leave him completely lost.
But that is not to say HT not being there anymore wouldn’t affect MGS. I think he would feel that quiet, under-the-surface kind of worry or grief (depending on the situation). If he didn’t hear from HT for a long time, MGS would be worried and anxious. Somewhere deep down, he would be waiting for him to show up or contact him. Maybe even believe that he’s such a troublesome guy, there’s no way he’s just going to leave MGS alone after all this time. Maybe there would be little gestures that give away his worry: checking his phone, keeping his routine regular, leaving a little light on for nights, waking up to sounds at night. Maybe he could ask if JY or ZZX have heard anything about him.
If MGS knew that HT was dead, I think his grief would be somewhat similar. He would get through the day and keep moving, but when he was alone, thoughts about HT could creep into his mind. Maybe when he’s taking a smoke break by himself, when he’s cooking dinner for himself, or when he’s lying in bed and waiting for sleep to come...maybe that’s when the memories come. He might insist on trying to bury HT out of his mind but can’t fight it anymore when he’s alone and it’s quiet. His grief would probably be mixed with anger a lot. He would be angry with HT for getting himself killed and leaving him alone. He had no right to do that after getting through MGS’s defenses and making him actually care about the bastard. But the anger would always fade away after a while, and only grieve that slumped his shoulders would remain.
Then get back to work, fall asleep and wake up the next morning. Rinse and repeat.
It would be interesting to wonder if MGS’s mother would pick up on anything. Could she worry about him? Could MGS tell her about HT and what he had meant to MGS?
In a way, I could also see MGS being grateful for HT and not want to mess up what he had helped MGS achieve. He had given MGS a chance in life and kept him away from making stupid choices. Maybe he wouldn’t be thankful in so many words but perhaps he would work hard as a thank you for HT and his memory.
If ZZX lost JY
To be honest, I’m less confident in my thoughts when it comes to Zhanyi. They don’t quite “talk” to me in the same way as Tianshan. Overall, I think Zhanyi is the “soulmate” type of relationship that goes very deep into their characters. It’s difficult to tell where they themselves end and their relationship with the other one starts. They’re their own characters but struggle to exists without the other one there in their life. Where MGS’s life would at least seemingly continue without HT, I think it would be quite different for Zhanyi.
Zhanyi has always been heavy on the rhetoric of “promises”, and one of those promises was ZZX’s urge to protect JY. Be it a bully at school or fully trained mafia bodyguard, ZZX would step between them and JY. He wants to become a grownup and stronger, so he can keep JY safe.
If JY disappeared, ZZX would no doubt be devastated and anxious. However, what he could do about things would depend on his age. If he’s still in high school, I don’t imagine there’s that much he can do. The most he probably can is to rely on people like HT for help and resources. Of course, that is not to say he wouldn’t do whatever he could to find JY. He wouldn’t stop trying until he had gotten to him, and his promise would be his driving force.
If ZZX was an adult, I think OX’s official illustration of him in a police officer’s uniform opens up interesting possibilities.
Tumblr media
That line of work would fit him very well, and it would give him proper tools and resources to try and track down JY. I could also see that road taking a darker tone. ZZX could become obsessed with finding JY and somewhat isolate himself from others. He does his job well and is a reliable coworker but he’s not exactly a social butterfly. He could be conducting his own investigations outside of work. He could even chase down JY’s ghost for the rest of his life, and it would consume him.
If ZZX knew JY was dead...Hmm. I think we can all agree that ZZX is one of the mentally strongest characters in the comic, but if he lost JY for good like that, something in him might just break. Imagine losing someone who’s always been in your life and has become irreplaceable to you. Not only would he be crushed by grief but I bet guilt and regret would be eating him up as well. He had promised to protect JY and keep him safe but he hadn’t been strong enough.
In short, I think ZZX would be left with this gaping hole in his heart for the rest of his life. It would shrink with time but probably never fully close up.
Would he eventually move on with his life, though? Would he get married and have kids? I could see both scenarios happen. I could picture him having a family at some point, but perhaps there was always something in him that even his wife can’t quite reach. He would care for her, be a good husband and a father, but sometimes...he’s not quite there with them. Then again, I think it could also go the other way. ZZX also strikes me as someone who wouldn’t want to commit another person in a relationship with him if he can’t be fully theirs in his heart. It wouldn’t fair to the other person.
If JY lost ZZX
JY is probably the biggest mystery to me in this regard. He would most definitely be devastated just like ZZX but I’m quite not sure what direction his character would take from there.
If ZZX disappeared, I think there’s very little question about what JY would do. He would be the first one out the door with a barely thought-out plan. Someone would have to keep him from doing anything stupid and getting himself in trouble. Being held back would make JY anxious and restless, and he could try something reckless on his own. The longer it takes to find ZZX, the more desperate JY would become. But it would also be mixed with his sense of “I am too weak to do anything about this”. And that feeling would get stronger and stronger.
Would JY ever give up on finding ZZX? To be honest, I don’t know. On one hand, I want to say that he would never stop looking for him. But on the other hand, I can also picture the fight leaving him at some point and he submits to the cold, hard facts of reality. Probably forced by someone else. It would be heartbreaking to see him lose his usual positive momentum.
If JY knew ZZX had died, I’m honestly not sure where his character would go from there. It could be something similar to ZZX’s reaction; he would never be quite the same anymore. With JY, it could even go further perhaps. Maybe he could lose most of his cheerful, sunny disposition to the shadow of never being with ZZX ever again. As much as JY had always loved life, the world around him could lose its interest to him and he could turn more towards himself. Inwards, in a way. I’m really not sure but overall, I think moving on from losing ZZX would be harder for JY than the other way around.
There are a lot of ifs and maybes in there, and many things I didn’t even try to take into account (trauma, more specific circumstance, etc.). Interesting possibilities to keep building on this!
Thank you for your question, dear anon!
49 notes · View notes
imaginaryelle · 4 years
Text
Turnabout and Start Again
Part 8
(aka, the soulmates role-reversal au)
part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7
Note: My knowledge of meridians, qi, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine is based on incomplete personal research and wuxia tropes, and I am very likely to have gotten some things wrong in my presentation of the concepts Wen Qing uses in this chapter. I’m working mostly on the idea that this is a fantasy world based on a fantasy genre with some real world connections, and so accuracy is not my primary concern, but if I got something completely wrong, or present ideas in a way that is unintentionally offensive, I am happy to learn and edit in corrections.
Thanks again to @morphia-writes and @miyuki4s for the continued beta help!
*
They find Wen Qing tending to simmering pots of medicine outside a large, airy building that Wei Ying describes as part infirmary, part training hall. Three disciples are fanning smoldering embers and sorting fresh herbs under her direction, and the sunny courtyard smells so strongly of bitter tonics and woodsmoke that Lan Wangji has to swallow back a cough.
Wei Ying pauses just outside the arc of tables and stoves and lowers his voice to a murmur. 
“Wen Qing is trustworthy,” he says, “but if you don’t want to share your identity—”
“It’s fine.”
“—I know you didn’t tell Zewu-jun so I can probably—what?” Wei Ying blinks at him. 
“You trust Wen Qing.” It’s barely a question—the strength of their relationship is evident in how Wei Ying speaks of her—but Wei Ying takes it seriously.
“With my life. With—with anyone’s life.” he promises, so readily Lan Wangji cannot doubt him.
“And you believe she can help with the curse.”
“I hope she can,” Wei Ying looks over his shoulder at her. “She’s very good. I told you she saved Zixuan-jiefu and Shijie—if you remember—”
Lan Wangji could not have forgotten. The image of the Jin heir, pallid and barely breathing with the glow of a soulbond spilling out of his open chest, is one that haunted his dreams in the days he spent searching for Wei Ying afterward. Thirteen years past by the calendar; only months ago in his memories.
“She knows more about spiritual energy than anyone else I’ve met,” Wei Ying is saying, moving his hands for emphasis. 
“You trust her,” Lan Wangji repeats. “I will trust her.”
“You—okay.” Wei Ying blushes. He turns away and strides quickly across the courtyard and Lan Wangji can see the flush moving to his ears and down his neck. It’s distracting enough that Lan Wangji misses the start of their conversation, caught trailing a few steps behind and unable to look away.
“We have a schedule,” Wen Qing is saying. “We have appointments for people who aren’t actively bleeding. What’s so urgent that you’re ignoring all that?”
Wei Ying pouts, which clearly only makes Wen Qing more annoyed. “His spiritual power’s been damaged,” he says. “I thought you’d be interested.”
She manages to stare down her nose at him, despite the difference in their heights. She looks Lan Wangji up and down. He bows. 
“I apologize for the imposition.”
“It’s not your fault,” she says, shooting another glare at Wei Ying. Then she sighs. “I’ll meet you inside in a moment.”
Wei Ying grins, and bows, and drags Lan Wangji up the building’s steps. Wen Qing’s workspace is simply decorated and smells of incense, with only the faintest whiffs of the courtyard’s activities seeping through. The room is lined with bookshelves and divided cleanly into a study space, complete with three long desks, and an examination area, screened off from general view. Wei Ying guides him to the private side of a standing screen painted with willow trees and urges him to sit.
“Someone will bring tea soon,” he says, settling on a nearby cushion. “Not like your last visit. We can actually afford guests now. Wen Qing’s medicines are a much better source of income than radishes.” 
Almost anything would be, Lan Wangji is certain. It had been—unpleasant, to realize the depths of Wei Ying’s poverty at that time. Sleeping in a cave that smelled of death without even the cheapest of teas to ward off the damp chill. 
He wonders, again, what might have happened if he had stayed at Wei Ying’s side after that visit. If he had not let himself be convinced that his presence was only one more burden on people already carrying too much weight; if he had known his own mind well enough, then, to stand and lend open support before disaster fell on all their heads once more. How much difference might those months have made? Would his brother have understood? What would his clan have done then, if he had acted before all hope was lost? 
Such speculation can only lead to further unhappiness. He is about to ask if Yiling-Wei also collects payment for nighthunts, as most Sects do, or sells talismans, when a young apprentice arrives with tea. Wen Qing is only a few steps behind her. Her attention lands on Wei Ying again.
“Don’t you have better things to do than bother my patients?”
“I want him here,” Lan Wangji says before Wei Ying can respond. Perhaps the interjection will be taken as rudeness, but Wei Ying can explain the curse much better than Lan Wangji himself would. No other reason for desiring Wei Ying’s presence must be stated. 
Wen Qing sighs in the face of Wei Ying’s too-innocent smile, but does not comment further.
“I am Wen Qing,” she says after the tea has been served and the apprentice dismissed. “As Wei-zongzhu has likely already told you, since he can’t be bothered to make proper introductions.”
“I ...” Lan Wangji hesitates, pressing his lips tight together. “We have met before,” he clarifies. “I am Lan Wangji.”
Wen Qing hardly even blinks at him; her gaze shifts immediately to Wei Ying.
“It’s true.” Wei Ying looks earnest and sincere. He pulls the array drawing from a qiankun pouch. “He knows things only Lan Zhan would know. The original owner of that body was called Liang Feihong, but he gave it up.”
“You’re certain?” Wen Qing asks, her stare unwavering.
“Completely.” Wei Ying assures her. He does not mention the soul bond.
“Hm.” Wen Qing studies the array. “This is unfinished,” she observes, tapping the paper.
“But you can see the shape.” Wei Ying leans into her space, against her shoulder, tracing over the drawing, as if they do this often. Perhaps they do. There are probably many ways arrays and talismans can be used to promote healing. Lan Wangji makes himself drink more tea; it is fresh and green and light on his tongue. 
“Exchange,” Wei Ying is saying. “One soul spent to make room for another, in return for service. In this case, revenge. It’s designed for a vengeful spirit, but Liang Feihong called Hanguang-jun instead.”
Wen Qing stares down at the paper. “You’ve never mentioned this ritual before,” she says after a long moment of silence.
Wei Ying shrugs. “It’s ancient. I found it when I was working on Wen Ning, but it usually fails. I haven't thought about it in—” his eyes flicker over Lan Wangji’s face, “—years.”
Wen Qing stares hard at him. “You said you were going night hunting.”
“I was, I did,” Wei Ying stares back, unblinking, and Lan Wangji is no longer sure he’s following the conversation. “It was only a night hunt,” Wei Ying insists. “Lan Zhan found us last night. He walked for three days.”
Still, Wen Qing watches him.
“Is there a problem?” Lan Wangji asks. 
“No.” Wen Qing returns her attention to him. “Tell me how your spiritual power was damaged.” She holds out her left hand for his wrist. Her hand is cool on his skin.
He looks to Wei Ying as her fingers find his pulse, but Wei Ying just nods at him, apparently unworried by the tension that has filled the room, that can still be seen in the stern lines of Wen Qing’s posture. He does his best to answer the question despite the feeling that he’s missed something important.
“I believe it was a talisman. There is also a curse mark, from the ritual.”
Wei Ying produces the talisman and sets it beside the drawing of the array, But Wen Qing is frowning at Lan Wangji’s wrist. 
“Tell me about the curse’s effects.” She shakes her head to forestall Wei Ying’s words. “The effects you have experienced,” she clarifies, to Lan Wangji. 
“It drains spiritual power.” That much he knows to be entirely true. “I believe my physical weakness is due to imprisonment and inconsistent training.” Liang Feihong left the Lan Sect nearly fifteen years ago, after all. 
Wen Qing drops his wrist, her fingers moving to his middle dantian and then to his face. She turns his head gently, and then drops her hands to her lap and studies the talisman.
“It’s not only the curse,” she says after a moment. “Your core’s been damaged. Not by this,” she gestures at the talisman. “This can only produce temporary effects. Something else.”
Wei Ying leans forward, suddenly intent. “Damaged? Not—”
“Not destroyed,” Wen Qing shakes her head. “But it will take time and effort to restore it, and the curse will complicate the process. It will be difficult to re-establish the proper energy flow.” 
“But it can be done,” Wei Ying presses, concern clear on his face. Wen Qing nods.
Lan Wangji says nothing. He has known, since his first investigations on the first day of this new life, that if this body had ever formed a golden core it wasn’t functioning properly. A damaged core is a better prospect than no core at all, but he again feels like there is some piece of information he’s missing, carried in the weight of Wei Ying’s concern and the careful calm of Wen Qing’s words.
“I will prepare medicines and teas to aid the process,” Wen Qing continues. “And I would like to conduct a more thorough examination, if you’re willing.”
Lan Wangji nods. He has no reason to refuse, and could gain much from her expertise. 
The examination lasts over an hour, through to a light lunch and then after, and involves more needles, talismans and salves than Lan Wangji has ever before experienced in such close succession. Wen Qing inspects the wounds in his palm as well as the curse mark itself, and produces new ointments and bandages for each, and another of Wei Ying’s talismans for the curse mark, before moving on to other, more obscure avenues of investigation. Wei Ying stays for all of it, sometimes talking out theories and suggestions from the other side of the privacy screen, sometimes scribbling notes at Wen Qing’s desk. 
“The curse’s caster is dead,” he says, waggling an ink-wet brush between his fingers, “but could the curse be transferred?”
“No.” Wen Qing doesn’t even open her eyes to answer. The spiritual power she feeds into Lan Wangji’s wrist, apparently meant to help her better map the damage to his core, never wavers.
Wei Ying frowns. “Most curses—”
Wen Qing frowns, too, a furrow appearing between her brows. “This links to soul as well as body and spirit. Even if it could be transferred, I wouldn’t help you do it.”
“Not even if it was transferred to the curse’s target?” Wei Wuxian asks.
“Not even then,” Wen Qing says. She sighs and releases Lan Wangji’s wrist. “I need to see to my apprentices, and I have another patient soon.” She meets Lan Wangji’s eyes. “Come back in the morning. I should have more for you then.”
He nods.
“Don’t stress him in the meantime,” she adds, pinning Wei Ying in place with a look. 
“Of course, of course,” Wei Ying assures her as he rises to his feet and stretches theatrically. “Only the best of hospitality for Lan Zhan,” he adds, a smile spreading over his face.
Wen Qing shakes her head, and waves them out the door. Wei Ying continues his tour of the Yiling-Wei grounds, leading Lan Wangji on a winding path past dormitories, and kitchens, and a less martial training hall—“for talisman work and spirit lure flags,” Wei Ying says, “It’s no Lan seminar but we do classes for outsiders sometimes.”
Yiling-Wei is a smaller sect than Gusu-Lan, both in land area and in population, but the grounds are still busy. Lan Wangji cannot help but notice the eyes on them at each new turn. It’s only reasonable; he is a stranger, walking with the Sect Leader, after a night hunt that lasted several days. Wei Ying has not so much as read a letter or spoken with anyone but himself and Wen Qing since they arrived. Lan Wangji has seen his brother’s work, and his uncle’s. This attention cannot last forever. Should not.
“I am keeping you from your duties,” he says as they stand at the edge of an archery range and watch Wen Sizhui and Liu Weixin loose arrow after arrow under Wen Qionglin’s expert tutelage.
“Hm?” Wei Ying seems distracted. Unfocused.
Lan Wangji curls his fingers in his sleeves. He has been selfish enough, taken enough of Wei Ying’s time—nearly a day of it. Wei Ying has more responsibilities now. He cannot spend so much effort on a single visitor. 
“Do not let me take your attention away from important matters,” he says. 
“What?” For a moment Wei Ying looks as if he will protest, but then he glances away, back to the archery field. His expression smooths to neutrality.
“Right,” he agrees. “I should—show you the library, at least. I know we have a few texts you might find useful.”
The library turns out to be a small pavilion lined with shelves and desks, much like Cloud Recesses’ in design but clearly smaller and holding a less extensive collection of books. The texts Wei Ying means are tucked on a high shelf behind a finely-carved screen, and their contents largely concern either curses or talismans. 
“Wen Qing has more on core formation in her study,” Wei Ying says as he sets his half of the stack on a small, almost-secluded table near a window. The charmed covers of the remaining books tingle against Lan Wangji’s uninjured palm. “Not that you need much help there.”
If what Lan Wangji understood from Wen Qing’s examination is true, repairing his core will be a very different process from forming one new, but he does not correct Wei Ying. 
“Is there anything else you need?” Wei Ying asks, as a good host should. “I’ll ask the kids in the practice yard to try and keep their voices down, I know it’s louder here than Cloud Recesses...”
“It will be fine,” Lan Wangji assures him. 
“I’ll—see you at dinner then,” Wei Ying says, and bows, more formal than the situation demands. Lan Wangji returns the gesture, books still in-hand, and tells himself Wei Ying will not vanish to smoke and mist as soon as he leaves Lan Wangji’s sight. That he will be easy to find again, here in his home, among friends. That Lan Wangji has no right to demand even more of him.
Wei Ying hesitates another moment, then leaves. Lan Wangji watches him go and thinks again of that flush on the back of his neck. On his cheeks. Wei Ying hadn’t blushed when he hid pornography in Lan Wanji’s books at sixteen, or when he held Lan Wangji’s forehead ribbon in his hand at seventeen, or when he threatened to take off his clothes in the Xuanwu’s cave. 
It’s difficult to imagine that a simple statement, alone, could make him flush after so many years. But it did.
Lan Wangji sits at his appointed desk and opens the first text with careful fingers, and does his best to block out everything but the words on the page before him. The readings are, indeed, informative, and several of them document Wei Ying’s own studies into curse formation and removal; there is an entire treatise on the hundred-holes curse alone, though it is almost entirely theoretical. The curse is too rare, Wei Ying notes, and too costly for both victim and caster, for frequent or multiple experiments. Such is likely also true for the curse Lan Wangji himself bears, but the texts at least reassure him that following Wei Ying was the correct choice for more reasons than the pull of his heart.
It’s Zhou Xiuying who summons him to dinner, guiding him to a seat at Wen Qing’s table before joining her wife on the other side of a loud and crowded communal dining room. The dishes set before him are heavy with lotus root and mushrooms alongside roasted pork, and, he notes, heavily spiced. Wei Ying does not arrive at the evening meal until Wen Qionglin leaves to fetch him, and he settles down at the crowded table with a sigh, slipping onto the cushion next to Wen Sizhui and across from Lan Wangji. 
“Why aren’t you all eating already,” he asks, as if it is not obvious they were waiting for him. 
“You’re late,” Wen Qing informs him, adding fried lotus and mushrooms to his bowl even as he serves himself meat and soup stained red with chilies.
“Wei-zongzhu should eat on time,” Wen Qionglin asserts. There is no bowl before him, though he holds a pair of chopsticks. A fierce corpse does not need to eat. He adds lotus to Wen Sizhui’s bowl, and then Wen Qing adds stir-fried greens and then Wei Ying adds pork, proclaiming that the boy needs regular meals far more than he does, and a sudden pang strikes deep into Lan Wangji’s chest. 
He serves himself from the milder-looking dishes. It’s pointless to be jealous of Wen Qing and Wen Qionglin’s places at Wei Ying’s side, and in his heart. Of the easy, well-trod patterns and open affection Wei Ying gives them. It’s pointless, but that knowledge doesn’t stop the sour swell of frustration and ill-feeling within him. 
He pushes the feeling away. He is a guest. They are being much kinder than simple hospitality requires. He eats in silence—the food is not unpalatable, as he feared, and he cannot tell if it is due to the actual flavor or if Liang Feihong was more used to such things—and he listens in silence as Wei Ying talks and laughs, lit up the way he used to be, before the Sunshot War. Several times, that beaming smile is turned on him, paired with questions about the food, or his reading, and offers of new dishes tomorrow, despite his protests that he needs no such special treatment. But still, Wei Ying is guarded with him in a way he is not with the rest of the table. It is strange to hear ‘Liang-gongzi’ fall from his lips again, instead of Lan Wangji’s name.
Eventually, he retires to his guest quarters. It’s only then, as he prepares to sleep in an unfamiliar room decorated with red and black instead of white and blue, that he realizes the knot of feeling in his chest is not the same emotion he thought it was. Or not entirely.
It has been more than three months since he shared a meal with his brother, or a conversation with his uncle, and before that he was holding his blade against them. The thought that he doesn’t even know whether his uncle is alive—that he might never speak to him again—hits him like an arrow, a flash of remembered pain from wounds he no longer bears. In its wake, the knowledge: If he cannot find answers, or stabilize the curse, he may never speak with his brother again either.
For a timeless moment he is hollow and grasping white-knuckled at his robes, his ears ringing and his breath caught in this throat. But he has already made this choice. He chose Wei Ying. If this is the consequence he must bear, so be it. 
Slowly, the faint sounds of the night outside his room penetrate his senses once more, and he calms. 
Rest. Meditation. His body and spirit need both. In the morning he will resume his training, and meet with Wen Qing, and confront the problem of Jin Guangyao’s crimes with clear vision.
(on to part 9)
39 notes · View notes