you reblog that post from me and deliberately say to not vote meta knight what is your DAMAGE

IS HE CANONICALLY A SINGLE FATHER?

I HAVE A DREAM (PART 14)

Kim Hongjoong Fanfic

Warning: Angst. Cheating. Heartbreak. Cursing. Fluff.

Hello fellow atiny’s and kpop stans 👋🏼 Part 14 of I Have A Dream is here and it's a roller coaster. For anyone confused by the timestamps, I'll give a brief explanation.

(Y/N left for 3 months which would be 3 months into her pregnancy. Ateez moves into the small village for a month and by the time they leave Y/N is already on her 4th month. Throughout her 4th month all the way to the start of her 8th she stayed in the village till finally she moved back to Seoul with her brother to spend her 8th month there till she finally entered her 9th month.)

It's all a little confusing but I hope you guys are still able to understand. With that explained I hope you guys like this weeks update, and I promise next weeks is gonna be wild 😉 Without further ado here's part 14 of IHAD

5 months later...

Various colorful lights and music played all around the city of Seoul, groups of people gathering all over the place. Multiple banners hanged all over the streets, some promoting different idols others promoting food or drinks.

In the middle of the bustling city stood a very pregnant woman, her big belly covered by a light pink thick sweater and black jacket. She waddled her ways towards a small cafe located a couple of ways away from her brother's apartment.

Y/N felt too exposed, the amount of people around her was way more than the people back in the village. To her that small village miles away was considered home, the small brick house holding so many meaningful memories in such a short time.

After the guys and her brother had left, Y/N continued her life as normal or as normal a 4-month pregnant woman could get. She continued to go to work, Mrs. Park pestering her 10x as much since she didn't have someone to care for her like her brother. She could take care of herself, but once in a while she missed her brother massaging her ankles, or wooyoung and Jongho trying their hardest to make her laugh.

In the time that they were gone, Y/N had managed to make more friends. She meet Kyung Mi’s girlfriend, the two of them complementing each other perfectly. She also meet the rest of Mrs. Park's family, Mr. Park accepting her into their comfortable home with open arms. She felt so at home with them and she honestly doesn't know how she'll be able to be away from them while in Seoul.

During her 6th month, Y/N made her way to Seoul to visit the hospital she was planning on giving birth in. She only stayed for a week, and that week was the best one in her life.

She reunited with the guys again, swarming her in a group hug the minute they visited her in her brother's apartment. They took her out to eat that day, as if they were celebrating something enormous. Thinking back on it now, she laughs at the memory.

She talked to each one of them whenever they could, San calling and texting her almost every night. Sometimes they would talk about meaningless things, other nights they would talk about their future. He asked her if she considered having more children after the first one, to which she answered just one more. She asked him if he ever wanted children, to which he answered 2.

Every question they asked each other seemed to compliment each others answer. San wanted a small wedding in his home town, something that Y/N encouraged. Y/N wanted a honeymoon in Venice, wanting to visit the Rialto Bridge. San fully supported her, agreeing that it was a beautiful destination.

In whatever one of them desired, the other one would agree 100% or have the same in common. It's as if destiny desperately said they belonged together, and slowly they started to believe they did.

After her visit, she went back home to the little village far away. She continued to daily routine, going to work and occasionally going to her clinic appointments. From her 4th month leading towards her 8th month, she stayed in the village with Mrs. Park and Kyung Mi both of them doing their best to help their pregnant friend.

After her third trimester came, Y/N and Mrs. Park started to pack her hospital bag. Mrs. Park packing tons of baby clothing, pink and blue for when Y/N finally figured out the baby's gender. They keep the bag in Mrs. Park’s car for when they both traveled back to Seoul.

When she entered her 8th month, they packed Y/N’s suitcase and started their commute to her brother's apartment. That's where she spent her whole 8th month until she finally entered her 9th month.

That's where she was now, 9 months pregnant and standing in front of a little cafe. Entering the dimly light establishment, Y/N quickly scanned the place before she finally found who she was looking for.

Walking up to the older woman, her back towards her Y/N brings up her hands and covers her eyes. “ Guess who~~~~” she sings out, the older woman letting out a small laugh in return. “ I could be wrong but are you perhaps my annoying daughter?” she says, causing Y/N to gasp out in fake shock.

“ ANNOYING!? If anyone is annoying its Youngji!” Y/N yells out, crossing her arms and pouting like a little kid. “ You are right about that, Youngji does take after your father.” Her mother says as she gets up her seat and grabs Y/N by her shoulders.

“ Let me take a good look at you, I haven't seen you since you moved away darling.” She says, giving Y/N a once over before bringing her in for a hug. “ Oh how much I missed you, my princess.” She mumbles into Y/N’s shoulder, having shoved her whole face in the crook of her neck.

Returning the hug as much as she can with her big belly, they both relish in the comfort of their embrace. “ I missed you too mom.” Y/N says, getting emotional over not seeing her mother for such a long time. “ I missed you more.” her mother mumbles back.

Pulling away, her mother leads her towards the opposite seat from hers. They both sit together in silence just reading the menu and then placing their order to the waiter walking by. Her mother examines her, the sight of her only daughter about to have a child of her own causing her to get choked up. “ How have you been? How’s my grandchild treating you?” She asks, watching as Y/N rubs the bottom of her swollen stomach.

“ They've been super active recently, I guess it's because I'm already close to my due date. I've been good as well, other than the swollen boobs and not being able to see my feet anymore everything else is going well.” Y/N chuckles out, her mother snickering at her in return. “ Oh honey I know exactly how you feel. Youngji and you were so hyper during my last month, I swear I thought you guys would be great soccer players in the future with how hard you guys would kick me.” She laughs out, Y/N smiling at her mothers carefree behavior.

“ How's Youngji by the way? I called him the other day to see if he could join us today but he never answered back.” Her mother asks, playing around with the fork in front of her. “ Youngji has been really busy lately. The company he works at is growing fast and they are keeping him busy since he is the best worker there. He also asked me to tell you that he's sorry he couldn't answer, and that he loves you.” Y/N says, leaning forward and grasping one of her mother's hand.

“ Oh my poor baby, they are probably working him down to the bones. I hope he takes a break soon, his friends as well.” Her mother says, eyebrows furrowed in worry for her son and his friends. After their little conversation, their food gets to them causing them to eat in a comfortable silence.

Halfway through their meal, Y/N’s phone pings with a notification. Quickly picking it up, she checks her phone and starts to giggle to herself typing out a quick response then putting it down after. “ Who was that, darling?” Her mother questions, her curiosity peeked once she saw the big smile on her daughter's face.

“ It was San, he wanted to let me know that he'll be busy with his group's promotion today and that he'll call me later tonight.” Y/N carelessly says, missing the questioned eyes her mother gives her. “ Are you guys a thing?” She questions, causing Y/N to choke on her drink water snorting out of her nose from the question she was just asked.

Patting her chest, she shakes her head furiously while a bright red blush creeps up her face. “ OF COURSE NOT MOTHER!!! What makes you think that?!” Y/N exclaims, fanning and patting her face to get rid of the hot feeling covering her entire face. “ You got a glow in your eyes when you mentioned him. I know because your grandfather used to get the same look too when he talked about your grandmother.” She says, watching as her daughter avoids her stare by playing around with her food.

“ I don't know what you mean by that. I don't love him mother.” Y/N snaps back, feeling way to vulnerable for her liking. “ I never said you loved him. I just asked if you guys were together.” Her mother quickly defends herself, Y/N still refusing to meet her eyes. “ I- I won't date him mother... ever.” Y/N mumbles out, appetite completely gone by that point.

“ You won't date him? Or is it more like you can't date him ?” She questions again, receiving silence in return. “ Baby.. Are you scared that whatever happened with Hongjoong will happen with San?” Her mother asks, reaching forwards and taking her daughter's hands in hers.

Swallowing down a lump rising up her throat, Y/N clears it before finally speaking. “ It would be different this time if that happened. I'm scared to open up my heart like that again. What if he gets tired of me like how Hongjoong did? I'm about to have a child, what if he decides that he doesn't want my kid because it's hongjoong’s and leaves me for someone else. I can't go through that again mom, I can't put my child through something like.” Y/N says, watching as her mother rubs soothing circles on her hands.

“ Oh my poor baby, that will not happen with San. You want to know how I know that..? Because from that single smile and glow in your eyes I see that San makes you twice if not more times happier than Hongjoong ever did. Don't think that because that good for nothing ex wasn't able to keep his dick in his pants that San will do it as well. From what your brother has been telling me, San is trying his best to gain your attention. Knowing that you're pregnant, but still trying to gain your love I'll say that he's already better than Hongjoong will ever be.” Her mother rants on, voice hardening when she mentions Hongjoong’s name.

“ You really think so mom...That someone like him would even look at me that way..?” Y/N questions, voice small with insecurity. Her mother lifts up her head to look at her, giving her a heartwarming smile. “ I know so baby. You deserve so much more than Hongjoong and I can tell that San can give you that. You just need to open up your heart darling, you'll regret it if you don't. That child that your carrying might not be his, but he still stuck around to take care of you and my grandchild. To me that's a real man, and that's exactly what you my darling daughter need. An amazing man to love you and your baby unconditionally.” Her mother continues on, watching as her daughter breaks out in a small smile.

Y/N shakes her head, smile stretching out more as her mother comforts her. “ How do you know what to say every time I'm feeling down?” she chuckles out, bringing her mothers hand up to her lips and kissing them.

“ Oh darling it comes with being a mother! You'll know once that little bundle of pure joy is born.” she laughs out, tapping her pointer finger on her daughter's head.

They both continue to chat throughout their lunch date, laughing and reminiscing on old memories they had while still living together. Her mother talked to her about the time she spent taking care of her and her brother, giving her tips on how to take care of a new born as well.

Sooner than later, their little lunch date came to an end. They both stood right in front of the cafe, bidding their goodbyes’s as well as her mother giving Y/N’s stomach a kiss. Walking her mother up to her car, they both bid each other one final goodbye before her mother finally drives away.

Turning the opposite way, Y/N begins to make her way to her brothers apartment.

Halfway through her journey, she started to feel small sharp pains start up towards her lower back. Y/N stopped walking for a second, placing a shaky hand on her abdomen rubbing it slightly. “ You really are ready to come out huh?” She whispers to herself, standing there for a couple more seconds before finally continuing her way back home.

Standing in front of her brothers apartment building, she bids the front desk person a hello then makes her way towards the elevators. Getting in the small space, she begins to ascend towards the 6th floor continuing to rub her abdomen lightly as she still feels some discomfort creeping up.

Arriving to her floor, she walks out the elevator and quickly makes it into the apartment. Closing the door, she carefully leans against it as another sharp pain strikes against her back. Feeling short of breath, Y/N makes her way towards the sofa and drops her entire body on it. The pain last for a couple more seconds before finally going away, her back tingling from the previous pain.

“ It's probably because I'm so close to my due date already.” Y/N mumbles out, staying on the sofa as she caresses her stomach, feeling the rise of her flesh due to the baby kicking more and more.

Struggling to get up, she grabs her phone and checks for any missed calls or messages but is meet with nothing. Usually around that time her brother will call her to make sure she had eaten, and San will usually text her but she's meet with neither of those things. She figures that her brother must be backed up in the company and that San is currently busy with the rest of ateez.

Dropping her phone on the sofa, she makes her way towards the kitchen to grab something to eat. Before she can even make it there, she gets a sharp pain on her lower abdomen the pain so intense it causes her to double over. Huffing out, she walks up to the dining table and drags a chair out fumbling with it for a couple seconds then finally sitting down.

She stays there as the pain continues to increase quickly, coming and going a couple more times. There's no way I'm having this baby now! I still have two weeks before they get here! Y/N panics in her mind, wincing when the pain only seems to increase more and more.

Turning her head towards the clock hanging over the stove, she notices that her brother doesn't get out for another 4 hours. Debating whether she should call him, another pain (which she now begins to think are contractions) shots through her back and towards her stomach. Nodding to herself, she stands up with shaky legs and makes her way towards the living room where she left her phone.

Halfway through making her way to the living room, a sharp pain more stronger than the others causes her to cry out. Hunching over, she pants out multiple times before she eventually notices the small puddle under her feet. Staring at it in panic, she realizes the severity of the situation and as fast as she can makes her way towards the sofa and snatches her phone laying on it.

As fast as her fingers can type, she immediately dials her brother's number only to meet with the voicemail option. Cursing out she continues to dial her brother 4 more times before finally giving up and dialing San instead.

She prays that he'll answer right away, but is meet with the same results. She lets out a small sob from how scared she is, then takes a deep breath in order to calm down her racing heart and shaking hands. Redialling San’s number, she's once again meet with the monotone voice requesting her to leave a voicemail.

Finally breaking down, she sobs into her hand from how fast everything is happening and all without help from someone she knows and trust. Giving up on calling her brother and San, she turns to the only other person who she knows will help her without a second thought.

Trembling fingers hurriedly press a serious of numbers on the phone, bringing up to her ear when she's done typing in the phone number. The other line rings two times, before a shocked voice answers the call.

“ H-Hello..? Y/N is this you..?” the person questions, voice cracking when they call out her name.

Y/N can only cry out once another contraction hits her, body curling in with pain.

“ Y/N?!?? ARE YOU OKAY?!” they question, mind on high alert the second Y/N cried out.

“ H-Hongjoong.. Where's San.?” she hisses out through clenched teeth, trying to hold in the rest of her cries.

“ SAN? San’s with the rest of the guys in the practice room. The manager made them stay extra hours for slacking off and took their phones away.” Hongjoong explains, getting up from his work chair and making his way towards the door of the dorms.

Hearing that, Y/N sobs out again both from pain and knowing that she can't depend on him in that moment.

“ Y/N..? Hello? Please tell me your okay?! Did you just call me to ask from San..?” he questions, waiting for Y/N to answer back.

“ Hongjoong please listen to me. I need your help right now. Can you pick me up from my brother's apartment? You know where Youngji lives right?” Y/N fires questions left and right, not giving Hongjoong time to question her.

“ CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?!? WHY ARE YOU SUDDENLY ASKING ME TO PICK YOU UP?!” He screams out, mind all over the places from everything Y/N is throwing at him.

The line stays silent for a couple of seconds and Hongjoong is about to apologize in case Y/N got mad at him for screaming at her. Before he can even open his mouth, Y/N screams back at him. The words she utters out causing Hongjoong to freeze in shock.

“ MY WATER JUST BROKE ASSHOLE! NOW CAN YOU PLEASE PICK ME UP CUZ I REALLY DON’T WANT TO GIVE BIRTH ON A DIRTY OLD CARPET!” she screams out, wincing after when a contraction hits.

“ W-what...?” Hongjoong whisper out, soul completely leaving his body.

“ The baby is.. Coming..?”

Rupert and Pong Ping

(NOTE: I’ve had this in my drafts for nearly 3 years... I had initially wanted to do a weekly series of reviews and analyses for the 90s animated series, but I’ve been preoccupied with a lot of other things. I kinda still wanna do this, but the enthusiasm isn’t there anymore. Who knows if I’ll ever actually come back to this. In the meantime, in honor of Rupert’s 100th Anniversary, I figure I ought to post what I did manage to write, back in 2017. Happy 100 Rupert, and here’s to many more to come. With Warmest Regards from Across the Pond.)

Episode Analysis (S1E1)

Let’s start off this series of reviews with debut episode Rupert and Pong Ping. The original story illustrated by Alfred Bestall can be found in the 1982 Annual.

Contains spoilers.

Story Synopsis

Rupert and his friend Pong Ping the Pekinese travel to China via a digging machine that goes straight through the Earth. The Emperor and Pong Ping are in fact old friends and spend the evening reconnecting, unintentionally neglecting their other friends. The Emperor’s pet dragon becomes very jealous of Pong Ping and has him kidnapped by the Great Dragon. Angered by this treachery, the Emperor banishes Pet Dragon. With some help from a wise old woman and a sleeping potion, Rupert is able to rescue Pong Ping, and later outwits the Great Dragon and also helps seal the friendship between the Emperor and Pet Dragon.

Episode Analysis

As the first episode of the series, it opens up with a look into the idyllic household of the Bears’ Cottage. Father Mr. Bear is outside doing some yard work and Rupert is off to fly his kite while his mother Mrs. Bear reminds him not to be home late. In his excitement, Rupert does not notice his father on the other side of the garden gate and accidentally knocks him face-first into a basket of leaves. Mr. Bear calmly assures his son no harm has been done but advises him to be more careful next time. A simple but endearing look at Rupert’s family life.

Later on, Rupert has gotten his kite stuck in a tree. “I’m not sure which is more fun, flying kites or climbing up after them!” This marks the start of a fourth wall trend in the animated series where Rupert will often make humorous comments about the current situation addressed to us, the viewer.

He sees his friend Pong Ping in the distance and calls out to him, when the ground suddenly and violently shakes, causing him to fall out of the tree. It certainly is a mark of how resilient Rupert is in that he can fall out of a tree during a quake and quickly get back on his feet just fine. The digging machine emerges from the ground and two men from within reach out to Pong Ping. Thinking his friend is being kidnapped, Rupert’s first instinct is to jump in after him, and not a moment too soon as the door shuts and the machine goes back underground.

In such a short moment, we are shown how much of a caring and quick-thinking person Rupert is. Where as any other child would panic and no one would blame them, Rupert is able to put aside his personal safety for that of his friend... even if there is no danger at all. Pong Ping quickly clears up the confusion. “We’re going to China for dinner!” He has received a personal invitation from the Emperor, and the digging machine came to collect Pong Ping. Since the digging machine cannot turn back, Rupert ends up tagging along.

Here, I find one of the most magical things about Rupert’s world is that it’s possible to dig right through the Earth and back in a single day and still be home in time for dinner. Not to mention, it would appear that in this universe time zones do not exist and it is the same time of day all around the world at once. Obviously an oversight on the creators’ parts but still, wouldn’t it be nice to travel around the world and back within a day and not have to adjust to a new schedule?

Though he is out of his comfort zone in China, Rupert is still polite and respectful to his hosts, even Pet Dragon who is quite rude to him. I certainly admire Rupert for calmly dealing with his string of rotten luck. Unable to get a good seat, he goes to sit in front of a gong which is then rung loudly with him still sitting there. Between his trouble with chopsticks and Pet Dragon’s smoke tantrum, he is unable to enjoy his dinner, let alone eat anything. But Rupert is a trooper and takes it all in stride.

Rupert notices Pet Dragon's jealousy and thinks the best solution is to reach out and be friendly. He is able to pacify Pet Dragon by relating to him that he feels left out as well but that he realizes Pong Ping and the Emperor are simply happy to see each other and doesn't hold any hard feelings towards Pong Ping. "Let Pong Ping and the Emperor have their time together. I'm sure I can find more exciting things to do than listen to them chatter all day. With some help. Let's be friends!" He is humble and admits that he has a lot to learn about Chinese culture, and with a hint of flattery suggests that Pet Dragon can teach him what he needs to know, surprising the creature.

When Pong Ping is being kidnapped by the Great Dragon, Rupert immediately tries to fight off the brute. Though unsuccessful, this is still another great mark of his bravery. In the morning he goes to rescue Pong Ping, despite the Emperor telling him it is no use trying to oppose the Great Dragon. When Pet Dragon reveals that he had asked the Great Dragon to take Pong Ping away, Rupert does not get angry or hold it against Pet Dragon, whereas the Emperor calls him out on his jealousy and banishes him. Rupert assures the dejected creature that the Emperor might change his mind about his banishment.

From the wise old woman in the mountains, Rupert obtains a sleeping potion, and with some help from a silly little lizard, he figures out the best way to get the Dragon to ingest the potion is by rubbing it onto the leaves of the trees he feeds from. He is successful and sneaks Pong Ping away, but unfortunately the Dragon’s sleep is short and the monster quickly chases them back to the palace. When cornered, the clever little bear is able to rescue everyone by outwitting the Great Dragon. "How can anyone learn that nobody escapes the Great Dragon and lives to tell about it, if you roast everyone who escapes before they can tell anyone?!" Unable to come up with a good answer, the Great Dragon agrees to let them all go so that they may spread his reputation.

Just when it seems all is well, there is one matter left to attend to. Having earlier been banished for his actions, Pet Dragon still came back to try and stop the Great Dragon from harming his friends. Though noble, he still broke the Emperor’s law. Rupert is able to help the Emperor realize that Pet Dragon is indeed regretful of his jealous deed and made up for it by coming back to help even under threat of punishment. The Emperor and Pet Dragon reconcile and a feast is held in honor of our heroes.

Already in one episode it has been established that Rupert is a compassionate boy who cares deeply for others, not to mention clever and quick-thinking. The other characters we meet are also wonderfully developed.

Pong Ping seems like a well-read type of person; he will often recite a quote to comment on the situation. When Rupert initially thought Pong Ping was being kidnapped, he playfully jokes "I think sometimes friend see frame by wrong picture inside." At times he seems a bit too sure of himself, at first brushing off Rupert's concerns about Pet Dragon's jealousy, and believing that Rupert oversteps his bounds when he questions the Emperor's wisdom. After being kidnapped, Pong Ping still maintains a level-head and has no qualms expressing annoyance at his situation towards the Great Dragon "It smells like a zoo in there!" He is also quick on the uptake. When he sees Rupert sneaking up the tree the Great Dragon is eating from, he quickly deduces that Rupert has a plan and quickly jumps in to help by distracting the Dragon with more complaints and insults at the risk of annoying the Dragon, which he does (good thing he's quick on his feet). All in all, he is a charming character and someone who is grateful for Rupert's friendship and loyalty. "It is said that only fool put head in dragon's mouth. But I say, sometimes fools make the best of friends." I am very saddened that Pong Ping was not a regular companion in the series, he was built up so well.

At first glance a stern person, the Emperor is in fact friendly but not one to be angered. He will not let something like favoritism stop him from doing what he believes is right, such as banishing Pet Dragon for his treachery even after admitting the creature had always been his favorite. The Emperor seems very set in his ways, someone who never changes his mind once made up. Pet Dragon even describes him as so. The Emperor believes that there is no use opposing the Great Dragon and makes no attempts to rescue Pong Ping even though he is greatly upset by his friend's kidnapping. Later on, though thankful for Pet Dragon's help, he attempts to uphold his law and that Pet Dragon must be punished for breaking it. But with some wise words from Rupert, he admits that he made a mistake and revokes Pet Dragon’s banishment.

When we first meet Pet Dragon, we see a jealous creature who expresses his feelings by blowing smoke in a tantrum. At one point he takes out his anger on Rupert, preventing him from sitting on the last cushion beside Pong Ping after he himself just had to give up the cushion next to the Emperor for Pong Ping to sit in, and later laughing at Rupert's misfortune with the gong. Later he is still hostile towards Rupert, warning him of the imminent danger to Pong Ping. He is surprised at how polite and respectful Rupert is towards him. He is very touched by Rupert's offer of friendship and mellows out, even excitedly accepting Rupert’s handshake.

By the time Pong Ping is kidnapped, Pet Dragon’s bitterness and jealousy have gone and he regrets his deed, especially after seeing how much distress this causes the Emperor and Rupert. He apologizes to Rupert for what he has done and offers him help by advising him about the wise old woman in the mountains. Though initially willing to go behind the Emperor's back and have Pong Ping taken away, Pet Dragon clearly respects and looks up to his Mister, obeying the command of banishment after realizing he has done wrong. He muses that the Emperor and the Great Dragon are similar in the respect that both will not be convinced to change their minds. He later comes back and bravely intervenes after his earlier fears towards the Great Dragon, even though he knows that he will be punished for not obeying his banishment.

Both the Emperor and Pet Dragon learn from their mistakes and strengthen their friendship.

We don't know much about the wise old woman, other then she appears to have some level of clairvoyance, as when Rupert meets her she already knows his name and what he needs to solve his problem. Rupert does not exactly find her himself, but rather he slips on some rocks and lands right outside of the woman’s cave. This is most likely the woman’s doing, as she seems to make herself known at will, appearing when she wants and just as quickly vanishing (and taking her belongings with her). As Pet Dragon put it, “If she want to help, she find you.” She is a fascinating one-time character, the first in a huge cast of many who help Rupert on his adventures.

The lizard is quite an interesting bit character. In a sing song voice she tells Rupert that pouring the potion into the water is a bad idea. She doesn't seem to realize that severity of Rupert's situation, and is more interested in playing guessing games, but still inadvertently helps Rupert figure out the solution to his problem.

The Great Dragon is a brute. Pet Dragon initially asks him to take Pong Ping away, but when he later regrets it Pet Dragon is afraid to ask the Great Dragon to undo it. "Then Great Dragon have me for breakfast! He is like Emperor, once mind is made up, never change!" It would appear that the Great Dragon has it out for everyone, other dragons included. To put it bluntly, he can also be a smug ass.

(Seriously, just look at that smug ass face of his.) He is not very clever as he is easily outwitted by Rupert's mind trick. Valuing his reputation, he lets Rupert and friends go, demanding they they spread word of his fearsome nature and flies off.

The episode also makes good use of reoccurring motifs. Throughout the episode, others tell Rupert "he has much to learn". Each time this phrase it uttered, it is under different circumstances and results.

When Rupert first meets the Emperor, he is a little awkward introducing himself. E: “A friend’s visit brings the light of ten thousand fireflies to a dark house.” PP: “The warmth of a friend’s welcome rekindles the forgotten fires of long ago.” R: “Uh, um, a man without friends is like, uh... a fish without scales!” The Emperor gives Rupert a confused look. PP: "This is my friend Rupert. He's a little unsure of the proper customs and procedures." E: "Ah, he has much to learn. Welcome, friend of Pong Ping!" R: “Thank you Your Majesty!” The Emperor and Pong Ping walk off in conversation, not realizing Rupert is still bowing to the Emperor. R: “I’ll get it right next time.” Rupert shrugs at the viewer while he says this, marking another time that Rupert addresses the fourth wall.

Later that night, Rupert is talking with Pet Dragon and wishes to have a bite from the apple he found. R: "Do you mind? My first try with chopsticks was a disaster!" PD: "You have much to learn!" R: "Heh! No argument there!" Rupert humbly admits his trouble and does not take offense, surprising Pet Dragon.

E: "Rupert! Where are you going?" R: "To help Pong Ping!" E: "Oh, you have much to learn little bear. Great Dragon's fire breath can melt even the bravest heart." R: "I have to try." E: "If that is your decision, friend of friend, I can only wish you luck and a safe return." Rupert presses on in the face adversity.

R: "Punishment? But he only came back to help us!" E: "For that I am thankful, but he has broken Emperor's law." R: "But you were angry! You said something you didn't mean." E: "I have no choice!" R: "Is it not said that a wise can be blinded by his wisdom, but it is a wiser man still who can see his mistakes?" PP: "Emperor's wisdom cannot be questioned! He has much to learn." E: "No Pong Ping, your friend has learned much. I choose to be the wiser man." We have come circle and the one who first commented that Rupert had much to learn admits that he himself has learned something as well.

To end on a humorous note, when the Emperor declares a feast in honor of Pet Dragon, Pong Ping, and Rupert, Rupert is not entirely pleased. R: "Chopsticks again?" PP: "Don't worry Rupert. Some things take longer to learn than others!"

(Where did that fork come from? I just love cartoony gags like these.)

Three portraits turn up in the episode that are a perfect visual metaphor of the “social climate” throughout the episode, so to speak. When we first meet the Emperor and Pet Dragon, they are in the middle of a portrait sitting.

Pet Dragon is used to having the Emperor all to himself. They are soon “interrupted” by the arrival of Pong Ping and Rupert. He is angry at being ignored but does little more than blow smoke. The last straw is when the second portrait is revealed, in which Pet Dragon does not appear at all.

Though the portrait was meant as a kind gesture to Pong Ping, The Emperor has been oblivious the whole evening and did not consider that Pet Dragon would feel left out. It is this that makes Pet Dragon decide that Pong Ping must be removed from the picture, figuratively speaking.

By the time of the third and last portrait, friendships have been made and sealed. The Emperor and Pet Dragon have reconciled with each other and Rupert has shown himself to be brave and loyal friend. A happy ending all around.

The episode ends with Rupert having returned home and having dinner with his parents. (It's a wonder that Rupert's parents haven't been worried sick about their son disappearing to the other side of the world.) They are having trouble using chopsticks and asks Rupert for help. He seems to have improved a bit by this point, but still slips up. Everyone gives it up as a bad job and settle for the forks and have a good laugh about it.

Devil’s Ballroom ch.1

A year after the events from the earth’s final attack, Little Homeworld is finally complete, and there’s a new jazz bar where gems and humans mingle and drink. - As you’re typing back a reply, someone pulls the stool out next to you and takes a seat. You see a sliver of pink out of the corner of your eye as you try not to actually Look. Oh god. It’s her. God can’t help us now.

Spinel/Reader

collab with my lovely wife @firstofficertightpants

Beach City was a small, lovely town, where pretty much everyone knew each other from the inner city to the boardwalk. You've lived your whole life there, and you loved it. It was home. It was also a really strange town, and you're pretty sure the world almost ended like six times in the last 4 years. Although honestly, you never had to worry about that much, since Beach City was also home to the Crystal Gems, and that Steven Universe who just always managed to save the day. So you’re told. Steven was a fun kid, and grew to be one of your good friends (he’s so insistent on being everyone’s friend. It’s very charming and you love him for it), but you’ve mostly spent your time at work this summer.

One of the easiest jobs to get is Funland, since that always tired Mr. Smiley is chewing through people constantly as the pay is shit, the hours are long, and it’s so hot. Like Mr. Smiley says, "Funland is funderstaffed". You feel like he says that to mock you a bit, since there’s just the two of you here. You really only cared to work there on your off season to help dad out with bills, and to see your best friends. Except THIS summer you guess, since all (2) of your best friends had to go out of town for summer either because of family get togethers or romantic getaways. Those bitches. And you were finally of drinking age this summer. You weren't about to let that get you down, or ruin any plans you’ve made yourself in the next upcoming weeks though.

You’re on the last forty minutes of your shift doing the work of four people. Emptying tills around the food court, cleaning tables, emptying trash cans, and jesus christ this task list seems longer today. It feels ever so fucking slow. And warm. You’re melting, you feel disgusting, and you just want a shower. Thank god it’s payday and you have the next two days off, because you seriously wanted to go out and unwind. See, there’s this newly renovated piano bar you’ve wanted to go to for weeks here locally in town, and you had planned on going with your friends.. but. You know what? Screw waiting on them. You’re going tonight. And besides, who knows! Maybe you’ll meet some new people and make a friend, or show your best friends that you can finally get a girlfriend!! Haha.. or at least get drunk enough to ignore the growing loneliness you’ve been feeling as of late, and desperately trying to ignore.

Funland never truly got busy, so you quickly closed the food court that had been dead for hours down. The last 15 or so minutes you spent sitting at the ring toss booth, and very thankful for the protection from the beating sun on your face. 

"YOOOOO (Y/N)!!!" You hear a familiar voice shout from your left. You put down your phone (obviously looking at memes) and lean over the counter just in time to see Amethyst, accompanied by Steven, jogging over to your booth. 

"Oh, thank god. Finally some human interaction." You responded to the purple gem as they reached your booth. Steven smacked down some tickets for the game and grinned.

"Just spending some time away from the temple". He says, and you nodded as you handed him two stacks of rings. He joyfully pulled them towards himself as Amethyst snickered. 

"He means to say his A/C broke, and Pearl got tired of hearing him groan about it so she kicked us out." The short gem elbowed Steven playfully. 

“Us? Why’d she kick you out too?” You say, giving Amethyst a pointed look. “That’s because Amethyst brought up like 7 of the junk fridges from her room to try to create some sort of.. open fridge cold air whirlwind right in the middle of the living room. It didn’t work as intended at all, though. I’m pretty sure those fridges were really old, or something, because 3 of them caught on fire and now we have scorch marks all over the floor. Anyway, Pearl was pretty mad about it. Sooooo, now we’re here!” Steven says while laughing, and attempting to toss the rings onto the obviously not rigged bottles. 

"So anyway," Amethyst turns to you and leans her elbow on the counter. "Any big plans for tonight?" She steals half the stack of rings from Steven and starts chucking them in the most violent way possible without actually breaking anything. She somehow gets 3 perfect.

 “Ughhh, yeah actually. I sort of convinced myself I’d go out and drink tonight.” You say with a tired grin. “I’ve been kinda daydreaming about not being here all day, and I’ve been wanting to try that one place.. the uh.. piano bar. That new one.”

“Isn’t that the place Bismuth helped fix up, and now bartends at?” Steven says to Amethyst. “She said this place was 1930’s themed with a stage, a spotlight, a piano and everything! It sounds like fun and I want to go.. a lot of the gems from Little Homeworld hang out there. Bis says I’m too young.” “Yeah,” You say, “You’re what, 17? You’re still just a baby, dude. If you want, I can try convincing Bismuth to let you in sometime just to sing.” You say to him and wink. Amethyst bursts out laughing. “You can try!! Bis won’t even let Peridot in!” She laughs. “She says her maturity ain’t the right fit. Whatever that means. She lets Lapis work there sometimes though when she wants, and Peri is still mad about it.”     You watch Steven miss every single shot. How can this kid be the person who saved the planet? His aim is terrible. Amethyst also misses the rest of her shots. 

“Have you guys actually ever won anything here?” You say out loud. “Only when Amethyst cheats.” Steven says. “And anyway, I really want some food. Amethyst. Pizza?”

“Duuuuuuuude. I could eat at least 10 pizzas right now. PLEASE.” She slaps her hand down on your booth. “Y/N. Go out tonight. Have some fun for the both of us, because it’s my turn to clean the kitchen, and if I skip out again Pearl WILL make me do my own laundry.”

“Wooooow, jeez, it must be so terrible to be self-sustaining and clean your own shit,” You’re smiling while chiding her, “and yeah, I will. Maybe next time come with me?” “And leave me all alone!?” Steven whines while starting to walking away. “Go hang out with Connie, you turd. At least you HAVE a girlfriend!” You reply. “You’ll find one eventually Y/N!! Maybe tonight!!” He yells back while waving before they both disappear from your field of vision.

“I really fucking doubt that.” You say to yourself, alone.

You busy yourself cleaning up, and walk over to the main building to clock out. You check your phone, and it looks like the group chat pinged. It’s Harper. FINALLY. Harper has been MIA for the last week. Well, not missing, per se, but she’s been on a roadtrip with her girlfriend of 6 months and didn’t invite you..or your other best friend, Alex. And yeah, you would’ve had to decline because your dad needs you to pick up some slack while he’s out on business, but.. STILL. Shit kinda hurts. But it seems like she finally got service and remembered you guys exist. It’s actually just a selfie with her and her girlfriend with a mountain in the background. She captioned it “I wanted to dive right into mt st helens but she wouldn’t let me get close enough.” You grin and decide to reply with, “Maybe next time Leah won’t let you pussy out”. Honestly, you really didn't mind being the 'single' friend most of the time, but sometimes you wished you could finally meet someone. Then you could also be sending cute couple pictures to your idiot friends, and finally feel like maybe you’re worth someone’s time.

Alex just responds to the chat with 14 flame emojis in succession. Before you can send any knife emojis back, your phone lights up with a call from your father. You answer on the second ring.

“Hey dad. What’s up?” “HEY KIDDO!!” Jesus. Your dad is enthusiastic and as loud as ever. “HOW ARE YOU TODAY, my sweet, dear offspring?”

“I’m chill. Getting off work. You?” You smile to yourself while grabbing the rest of your things to leave for home.

“Just got out of like, my fifth meeting today. It’s awful. I think they’re trying to kill me over here? I’m pretty sure they only paid for the plane ticket because they’re going to reap my organs after they LITERALLY bore me to death. I’m 100% sure my presence isn’t even needed for any of this.” He rants into the phone.

“Dad. You’re the lead project planner. You have to be there. It’s like.. your entire job.” You laugh into the phone. “I thought my entire job was so sit there and look pretty?” “Really? You think they’d choose you for that when they have Brian? Dad, come on. You know how beautiful he is.” You hear your dad sigh wistfully. “Yeah, that gorgeous bastard. Anyway. I’m real sorry in advance, but they’re extending my stay for another couple of days, and instead of being back tomorrow, I’ll be back next thursday.” He says, sounding apologetic.

“Oh, okay. That sucks.” You try not to sound disappointed. “Kiddo I’m sorry! If I could come home tonight I would get on that plane in a heartbeat. I hate this as much as you do.”

“I know. And it’s alright. I’m going out tonight anyway, and I’ll hold down the fort until next week yeah?” “You know you’re my favorite kid, right?” He says. “Dad, I’m your only kid.” You scoff into the phone. “That YOU know of! Love you!” and he hangs up. You roll your eyes, stuff your phone into your pocket, and head out.

Your house wasn't very far from Funland, meaning you could walk home alone safely even at night. Not that Beach City was ever an unsafe town.. if you conveniently happen to forget the aliens trying to destroy the town several times. 

Within minutes you were unlocking your front door, toeing off your work shoes, and heading up into your room. You drop all your shit onto the floor, and flop on your bed. You wonder to yourself, should you be putting more effort into your appearance tonight? Steven did say it was 1930’s themed.. you don’t have very many dressy clothes. You feel like the only color you look good in is black, so you get up and open up your closet. Flowery dress.. God no. Overalls? Noooooo. You swipe through too many sweaters, honestly. There’s a couple decent things in here to put an okay outfit together, or.. wait. Ha! There. That cute black dress you wore 2 years ago for your aunt’s funeral. It’s the best you’ve got, you admit to yourself. And you even still have those black flats! Look, like basically zero effort involved.

You head to the bathroom with your things for tonight and take a shower. It feels nice to scrub off the layer of sweat and grime that come specifically from working at Funland. Oh and, not having to smell like carpet deodorizer and stale caramel popcorn is always a plus. Once out of the shower, you dry off and get into your clothes. You style your hair in your favorite way, and just put on a small bit of makeup. You know, small efforts help to feel less like a paper bag. You look nice for once, you admit to yourself. 

You head downstairs, stuffing your phone and wallet into a small shoulder purse. Grabbing your keys, you put your shoes on, say goodbye to your cat, and walk out the door, making sure to lock it behind you. With your keys safely stored in your bag, you headed into town. The bar was roughly ten to fifteen minutes away, so you decided to hoof it. No need to waste money on a taxi when you had two perfectly toned legs, ya’ll.

to breathe deep and feel reality

jaal x sara ryder  hurt & comfort - ao3 link

Sometimes, Sara was sure that space was alive. Empty- a husk, even- but breathing nonetheless, in a sort of shallow way. It had a rhythm, though perhaps it was simply a single note, held down, measuring beats by the distant pulsing of stars she would never see; it was as much a comfort as it was a tragedy, she thought. Bittersweet. She tried to count the notes, finger tapping in time to a star that glowed a peculiar shade of blue- one, two, three, rest. He’d almost been shot. Sleep evaded her, as always. Lexi tried to help- insistent on administering melatonin supplements, magnesium pills, and even going so far as to demand Sara change her diet- but nothing ever seemed to work, and the Pathfinder would, most nights, remain awake for hours after the Tempest’s lights had been dimmed. To her knowledge, the only other person aboard who slept as little as she did was Kallo. She didn’t mind all that much, if she were to be honest. Sleep meant dreams, and dreams were rarely pleasant; all they accomplished nowadays was reminding her that the throne she sat upon was made of her own father’s bones, and that the title others worshipped didn’t belong to her, not truly. Sara was there for no other reason than to fill his shell. To be something at least reminiscent of Alec. She took after him in more ways than she would’ve cared to admit. God, she missed Scott; they were- and had always been- a single commodity, and separation rarely did either of them any good; there was a balance between them, a sort of scale that remained steady due solely to each other’s influence. Scott was a good, solid mix of soldier and diplomat, and acted as a balancing weight, so to speak, to her hot-blooded nature. She was logical, though, and creative- two things her brother had never been- and helped him consider situations in a different light to how he may have alone. In turn, he acted as 90% of her impulse control. There were nights when she would write him, despite the knowledge he could neither read nor reply; it still felt as though she was keeping him updated, though, and the idea brought her some comfort. He’d want to know what was happening. “Sara,” piped SAM, jolting her out of her reverie. “It is 4AM. Morning alarms are set for two hours.” She sighed, and moved back from the window to take a heavy seat upon her bed, hands running through her hair- the colour was beginning to fade, and Sara wondered if Vetra would be able to dig up some dye. Needed a trim, too. “Thanks, bud,” she said, after a moment. SAM himself had become something of a brother to her, if an odd, clinical one. She already had one of those. “Think I’m gonna get some food. Anyone else awake?” He was quiet for a moment, then replied, “No-one but Kallo Jath and Jaal Ama Darav, Sara.” “Right. Tell me if anyone comes, please.” With that, she made her silent way to the small kitchen just outside her personal quarters, doing her best to remain quiet. A few of her crew slept light, she knew, and Doctor T’Perro and Cora were the worst of them; both of whom would flip if they found her in the kitchen, two hours before wake-up. It was hard to pour cereal quietly, though, and each time one pinged against her bowl she nearly hemorrhaged. It was a weird thought- the human Pathfinder, sneaking into the kitchen in the dead of night to steal Blast-Ohs. It succeeded, however, in reminding her that she was absolutely 100% not cut out for this. Her dad had to have known that, had to have recognised that no, his anxious mess of a daughter was not an ideal leader; hell, her brother wasn’t perfect, but at least he had some leadership experience. Sara was a recon specialist; she knew quiet, she could do quiet, but when it came to loud, apparent, purposeful, she was lost. Scott had always been the loud one, and she his logical voice of reason. He should be here, damn it. Sara’s back hit the wall and slid, until she was curled over herself, head buried in her hands. Scott should’ve been there. Her dad should’ve been alive; he should’ve kept his fucking helmet on and flown back up onto the Hyperion to lead them, like he was meant to. In losing him, the Initiative had lost a figurehead and icon, a dreamer who forged the very foundation of their journey. And she’d lost her other parent. Sara felt like she’d never truly gotten to know her father. She just hoped she was making him proud. “Sara,” said SAM, in their private channel. “Mr. Ama Darav is coming down the hall, towards your location. I have alerted him of your presence.” Sara sighed. She and Jaal were close, but they hadn’t spoken at any great length since the incident with Akksul. It had shaken her terribly, to see yet another person she cared deeply about in danger- the bullet had been so close, and had Akksul not missed, Jaal would be dead. The thought hurt. It had been more harrowing for him, of that she was sure, and the only consolation she was familiar with was space, so that is what she gave him. A deeper part of her, however, knew that she had not been avoiding him for that reason alone- it frightened Sara, how scared she had been. She supposed she was trying to sort out what was going on in her head. Their conversations since had been amiable, yet brief. The metal against her back had begun to seep its chill through her clothes. Everything felt cold, these days; her hands, her bed, her quarters, her demeanor. Perhaps he rubbed off on you more than you thought, came a small yet decidedly spiteful voice. Plenty of those. Her mom used to help, and for a long time they were dormant; Sara’s ‘little demons’, she had called them in that motherly tone of hers. They had come back when she died though, and despite her love for Scott, his consolations were never quite the same, and without even him, her mind had run rampant. SAM and Lexi tried their best, nevertheless, and she loved them for it; Lexi in particular, despite Sara’s complaints, had very much become a stabilising crutch. SAM too, though sometimes he reminded her a little too much of her brother, and that stung.       Moments later, a familiar purple head poked its way into the kitchen, scrutinizing eyes running up and down her frame before he entered. Jaal was large, but from her vantage point on the floor, he loomed- all shoulders and arms and narrowed eyes, lips twisted into a frown that looked more concern than anger. “You should be sleeping.” “Yeah.” “But you are not.” Sara gathered her arms around herself a little tighter. “Yeah.” At that, he surveyed her a little harder, mouth pressing into a line and head cocking to the side, eyes darting, likely trying to decipher her body language. He did that a lot, the surveying thing. Initially, it had made her uncomfortable, but she understood, now- he was just trying to figure her out, to decipher why the Pathfinder could possibly be curled up on the kitchen floor beside an abandoned bowl of cereal. A moment passed in silence, and then another, and one more after that until Jaal- instead of leaving- sat down opposite her, mimicking her posture and never once breaking eye contact. “Do all humans sleep as little as you, Ryder?” Sara laughed; a small, bitten sound. “No, not generally. We’re supposed to get eight hours, I think? A night, that is. Some of us have more trouble sleeping. There’s these supplements you can take that help the process, though. Lexi’s got me on them at the moment.” “They do not seem to be working,” he said, giving her a scrutinizing look. Sara reddened. “That was not intended as criticism; I cannot sleep, either.” “I noticed,” replied Sara, giving him a smile. “So, what’s keepin’ you up?” Jaal frowned, as if it were a dumb question. “Thoughts?” The two exchanged a moment of eye contact. They were unsure of what to say- if there was, in fact, anything to be said to that, thought Sara, running a hand through her hair. “Thoughts, hey? Yeah, that’ll get you every time.” At that, he smiled. She liked that smile, even if she didn’t see it all too often; it was gentle- friendly- and soft. Inviting. Sara had been intimidated by him beyond belief, upon meeting him; this towering, broad fellow with spooky eyes, regarding her with distrust, surrounded by others who likely fancied her alien head on a pike. It remained a disquieting thought. Jaal was sweet, though, and she had taken to him quickly. He felt familiar, though for what reason, she had no idea. And when Akksul’s bullet had grazed his head, Sara had felt the devil tear at her stomach. A companionable silence stretched. Both parties were deep in thought, and she noticed his hand twitching a little; it did that sometimes, when he was thinking. Distantly, Sara wondered when she’d picked that up. Her thoughts, however, were drowned out by others, more intrusive and immediate, most of which were of her brother and father. The hole the loss of her mother had left in her was slowly expanding, first with Alec’s untimely death, and then with Scott’s… condition. He wasn’t dead, but God knew sometimes it felt that way. She promised herself she wouldn’t mourn him- he wasn’t dead. Yet sometimes she caught herself thinking of him in past tense. “Do you have family, Jaal?” The question seemed to take him off guard. His brow shot up, and he shifted; momentarily uncomfortable, it seemed, or perhaps just taken aback. “Family? It is part of our culture. We have large families, and we share parents with the community; we all have many mothers. I have a true mother, Sahuna, and many, many siblings. We are… close. We always have been.” That stung a little, but Sara smiled, regardless. She was glad. “And yourself?” asked Jaal, regarding her with curiosity. “I have not heard you talk of your family. Are you close?” “Ah- yeah. We were.” There was a moment- drawn by the peculiar silence that had fallen between them, as if a lack of speech could be a question- in which that was the only explanation she offered. It never got easier, talking about her mom; no amount of therapy or comfort could ward away the odd emptiness inside her the name ‘Ellen Ryder’ wrought, and once the death of her father had finally set in, the feeling had become a chasm. And the name ‘Alec’ was said a lot more. “My mom died a while ago. She was- uh- sick,” began Sara, slowly- cautiously. Jaal was watching her with a tilted head. “And my dad, I… lost recently. My brother’s alive, but there was a technical difficulty when they were waking him up from cryo, so he- uh- only got half-revived. He’s in a coma, but they tell me he’ll be okay.” Jaal frowned, but this time, his eyes were sad. “I’m sorry, Sara.” She smiled at him, but remained silent. She didn’t know what to say. “Tell me about him,” he said, watching her carefully, conscious of a line he did not wish to overstep. “Your brother, I mean. If you would like to.” A small breath escaped her, followed by an utterance of ‘oh’, before she brought up her omni-tool to find a picture in her archives. It was old, but the most recent one she had; they hadn’t taken many pictures, after their mom had died- if felt as if the family was incomplete. It remained her favourite, though, because it was the last one that existed of all of them before her brother dyed his hair green. Sara had hated it, so he’d kept doing it. “That one,” she said, pointing to her brother and shuffling closer to Jaal, so he could see, “is Scott. He’s a dumbass. I love him.” He made a soft, interested noise, and grasped her forearm to gain a better look, sketching Scott’s face with his eyes like he did hers. It made her smile. “He looks like you,” said Jaal, sparing her a smile before returning to look at the picture. His hand brushed the display, from her brother’s face to hers. Sara laughed. “Yeah, he’s my twin.” “And you are close?” “Yeah. We always have been,” she said, fondly. “I miss him. He and I were- I mean, we’re a double package, y’know? A two for one deal, kinda. I think you’d like him; he’s big into guns. And talking.” Jaal chuckled, leaning back to rest against the wall. His thigh brushed her hip; they were closer than she thought. “Is that so?” “I mean, we’re similar in a lot of ways, too. But yeah, he’s a motor-mouth; God forbid he get started on weapon maintenance,” she trailed off with a sigh, smirking. “He used to do it to annoy me. Eventually, it just became habit- comforting for him, and white noise for me. I- uh- miss him. A lot.” “I would like to meet him,” he said, after a small silence. “You speak of him fondly. And those are your parents?” “Oh. Yeah.” Her mom and dad hadn’t looked like that for a long time. In death, Ellen had been frail, drawn. Pallid. And her father hadn’t smiled like that in years, not for anyone. He was a good man, she knew, and a good father, in his own way; it was because of him and Scott and her actually had a chance out here. Well- that she did. Alec had taught her how to shoot, how to assemble a turret, how to hold a biotic barrier in place. Sara had never taken to tech quite like she had combat, though; she was too impatient, her father told her, and ‘thought too broadly’. Whatever the hell that meant. “You and your brother- you look like your father. He… was the previous Pathfinder, was he not? I have heard Cora talk of him.” Her finger brushed the display, over his face. A pit had formed in her stomach, as it always did at the mention of her dad. “He was. The title was meant to be handed down to Cora, in the event of his death. Don’t know why he gave it to me,” Sara paused, and smiled. It was bitter. “Guess I can’t ask him now, though. What’s done is done, though I don’t think I’ll ever really understand.” Jaal cocked his head to the side, and twisted to face her. She felt small under his gaze. “You give yourself too little credit, Sara. I have never thought you out of place; you fit the position as if it were your own skin.”     “That’s- kind of you.” He smiled. “You are kind to me.” Sara bumped his shoulder with her own, unsure of how to respond. She could feel a flush coming to her cheeks, though. “You’re my friend. I feel like that’s reason enough not to airlock you, no?” “One would hope, Pathfinder.” “Man, it never gets any less weird, hearing that,” she muttered, leaning back beside him. The clock on her omnitool read 4:40AM. “I feel like it’s still my dad’s title, y’know? Kind of like I’m borrowing it, or something. Everything’s yet to sink in, I guess. Big storm comin’.” Jaal made a noise that sounded somewhat like agreement deep in his chest, and Sara leaned her head into his shoulder absentmindedly; she felt terrible for avoiding him, and even worse for failing to check in- he was her squadmate, and her friend. Sara had to know he was okay. To her knowledge, there remained a rift between himself and her milky way crew, though it was smaller than before. Liam had done his best to make the angaran feel at home, she knew, and he and Cora seemed to be amiable, if not friends. “You really scared me, you know.” He shifted a little at that, twisting in order to look down at her, brow furrowing. Jaal said nothing, though, and instead waited for Sara to elaborate- he looked confused. “The whole thing with Akksul. I- you could’ve died, Jaal. If his aim had been better, if-” The angara heaved out a sigh, which turned into a breathy chuckle as he wrapped an arm around her in an almost-hug. Sara trailed off, instead pressing a palm to her forehead and leaning against him, taking a breath that nearly shuddered, but not quite. The warmth emanating from Jaal’s skin was almost enough to counteract the aching chill had had managed to seep into her bones. She wondered, distantly, if he could feel it. “You worry too much. It’s just a scar; scars heal.” Her lips thinned. “You don’t worry enough. Scars heal, but bullets to the face don’t.”   Sara’s voice wavered at that, a dangerous tell-tale sign of things she didn’t want to think about. Jaal seemed to notice, though, and cocked his head to the side, regarding her in that way he liked to. She’d felt so numb, upon seeing that bullet whiz past; her rifle had been in her hands, loaded, and ready to fire, but she’d frozen in place. That all-too familiar fear had gripped her, and rooted her in place. She couldn’t lose a friend, she had told herself; as if that is what she considered him, a friend. “I,” she began, stammering, trying her hardest to keep her voice steady- in vain. “I care about you. You- I can’t lose anyone else.” A large hand settled on her cheek, brushing aside the hair that had fallen into her face- the static on his skin made it stick up in a way that would’ve been comical, if not for the atmosphere. Sara shut her eyes and leaned her head against it- managing a stuttering inhale- and counted the beats of her own heart, which was hammering against her ribs, in her head. “I’m sorry, Sara,” he said, after a moment. His own voice was thick with emotion, and Sara noticed, distantly, that it was now gone 5AM. “You have suffered. I would never wish to cause you additional pain.”     She didn’t know when they’d gotten so close, but now their faces were just inches apart, and she could see every fleck of colour in his eyes. He traced the freckles dusting her nose with the back of his hand, running it down the curve of her cheek to her lips; Jaal took a breath, and she felt it stir the hair tucked behind her ear. Sara leaned forwards until their foreheads rested against one another, and pressed a hand atop his, where it lay on her cheek. “You could never.” He seemed to take that as his cue, surging forwards to capture her lips in a very human kiss that expelled any cold that remained settled in her bones. Sara’s arms snaked up and around his neck, fingers running down the peculiar folds of his head before laying flat, trying to press the two closer together, despite the fact that any space between them had been occupied. “Detecting a spike in your vitals,” said SAM, through their private channels. No fuckin’ kidding.     Jaal’s lips twisted into a smile against hers, and he pulled back to look at her, a different expression in his eyes than before. Something toeing adoration. It made her squirm and flush, averting her gaze with a muffled laugh. “Why’re you lookin’ at me like that, big guy?” said Sara, turning a deeper shade of red when Jaal leaned closer once again, smiling at her. “Because you are lovely.”  

It was an hour later when Liam, on a mission for some coffee, stumbled into the kitchen, to the sight of the Pathfinder and Jaal curled up together on the ground, both asleep and nestled against one another. Peebee owed him 20 credits.