#he will be like one of those grandpas that has like three apps | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

aspiring-holistic-otaku · 10 months

Text

Season 2 Ramble#6 - Just Jump In! ver.2

This month’s episode is about Shueisha publishing company's JUMP magazine line. you can use the link above or check the link in my bio to listen on other platforms 🍻

first some bare bones Jump basics:

What is JUMP? - JUMP is a magazine line with hella content for hella demographics and for the record they're not all comics, shueisha is actually a pretty diverse publishing company

Today though, we'll only be looking at two of their products. the Weekly Shonen Jump(WSJ) magazine, in print since 1968 with a main target audience of young boys, shonen literally being japanese for young boy, as well as their SHONEN JUMP+ app, which first launched in 2014 and has a main target audience of older adolescent lads.. The original + app is in Japanese as far as I understand but they released a follow up in 2019 simply called MANGA+.. also even though they have "main" target audiences they both have works that try to appeal to wider demographics + things sometimes move between lines or even appear on both at the same time.

This month I purposefully read manga from different time periods which gave rise to one mini section and three main sections which i’ll describe as I get to them

NOW JUMPING RIGHT IN!

New Manga Read This Month

mini section

Was this axed? Why was this axed?:

top 1

Magu chan: god of destruction(Kei Kamiki, 2020, 78 chapters)

this story follows the main heroine ruru after she finds and accidently unseals the now weakened god of destruction mag MENUek. not the best art or really the deepest characters but it's a gag manga. actually didn't think I'd enjoy this at all but it's pretty funny, got a lot of genuine hearty laughs pretty much every chapter... (pretty decent run at 78 chapters but after I finished I couldn't believe it got axed, definitely would've liked more but ironically it probably got axed because of folks like me...)

honourable mentions:

hell warden higuma, ginka & gluna, neolation

Ok so "main" sections now, starting with

Way Way Back (1960s - 1980s):

top 1

Mazinger Z (Gou Nagai,1972, 33 chapters)[Devilman Crybaby]

The story here is our mc, KOUji KAbuto, has a genius grandad who built the most powerful robot ever, Mazinger Z, but he dies in a sudden devastating earthquake before he can teach him how to use it. The only thing he's able to tell him before he passes is that with the robot comes power and with that power comes a choice, to be a god that saves humanity or a devil that destroys the earth.

Right off the bat the art wasn’t anything great or even particularly good but with really old stuff, especially things aimed at children, I think simpler art styles are to be expected. I did really like the robot designs tho, nothing too slick or fancy but they had an old quaint vibe like awww look at what grandpa drew…

The characters weren’t much either, as I said stupid simple story, giant robots doing cool giant robot stuff, so most of what would be the story of most characters was already in their designs like you see the main character and know they're the main character because he has that cool spiky cyborg 009 hairstyle etc.

not much more to say, kinda funny, surprisingly bloody given my perception of the time period and what I thought their perception of media was, especially media intended for kids.. but yh,, the whole manga can be summed up with giant robots have always been pretty cool… grain of salt though for those who plan to check it out, yes I thought it an enjoyable read but it was really only my top 1 because I could pretty much only find two things to read from this time period as the older manga are almost impossible to find on the internet.

honourable mention:

Dr.Slump (Akira Toriyama , 1980, 236 chapters)

Wasn't That Just The Other Day? (1990s - 2010s):

top 1

Bakuman(Oh! Great, 2008, 176 chapters)

Actually not my first time trying this, started back in hs but stopped for reasons I can't recall, I only remember thinking it was excellent which makes it all the more confusing but in any case I started over from the jump and I'm really glad I did.

This is a manga about making manga. I'm telling you man these Japanese dudes will make a manga about anything. trust.. Anyways the story here follows two main characters Mashiro and Takagi, and starts with them about to enter highschool. Takagi is the smartest in school since day one, expected to excel in life, and Mashiro has nothing. no goals or ambitions. he's just trying to come to terms with the mundane normalcy of life and society's expectations of what that should looks like. one day Mashiro leaves a book at school and Takagi, who unbeknownst to anyone is an aspiring writer, finds it full of amazing art and begs him to team up and make manga… Will they make it? and what exactly does it take to make it anyways? what even is "it"? (find out next time on read the manga and see!!)

Two things initially pulled me all those years ago, one, was a morbid curiosity, like I just couldn't fathom a manga about making manga being good in an entertaining way. like yh it's probably mad educational and it was, but as much as you can learn from any media the main reason I'm reading manga is to be entertained. two, oh! great did death note and again I just couldn't fathom the jump from mystery thriller about police vs death gods to this but man did they pull it off in style

First thing first the art was phenomenal as those familiar with oh! great works would expect. and I have to be clear, when I say oh! great does great art I mean Takeshi Obata does great art. oh! great is a duo between him and Tsugumi Ooba who did an equally good job on the story. like he basically showed us how the proverbial sausage is made without making us disinterested in the sausage. It actually instilled such a deeper appreciation for the process that I feel like all manga I read after this will be that much more enriching. especially shonen as the different creators in story debate and create what they think the genre should look like.

Great cast of characters, funny, serious, rivals, people you hated, people you loved, great sub plots that had them all interacting in a nice dynamic way, like it didn't feel like the two mcs were the cause and effect of everything. Great pacing as well as we get to see their journey from just trying something in highschool to getting their foot in the door in later years and so on. didn't feel rushed or dragged, it was nice to see a lot of the little ups and downs of life instead of just a cycle between highlights and rock bottoms.

I have to give fair warning and say it's pretty text heavy. even for something that's not kick and punch cause most of the time they're plotting out some manga or something but Obata really does a great job here making good use of panels and even speech bubble placement so it never really feels crowded unless it's meant to illustrate something like an argument or so. it also helped that despite his usual pretty realistic art style, he allowed characters to be toony when needed to lighten the mood or heighten some expression in just the right way

Honestly it's still so crazy that they pulled it off and pulled it off so well. I think ultimately it was the humanity of it that really tied everything together,, like yh they're manga artist but they're human first, and it's their human experiences that in the end feed into the art.

Talked a lot on this one.. that's why it was top 1 ig.. as usual I don't think I can speak enough to why exactly it's so great but yh… definitely highly recommend even if only out of morbid curiosity like you're thinking,, no way a manga about making manga is good. it is.

honourable mentions:

level e (Yoshihiro Togashi, 1995, 16 chapters),

Cowa!(Akira Toriyama, 1997, 14 chapters)

Hoshin Engi (...lol not that honourable ig)

...also just want to squeeze in that I actually tried bobobobo and wow… my brain may never recover…

What's Up Today? (2010s - present)

top 1

Astra Lost in Space (Kenta Shinohara on story & art, 2016, 53 chapters)

9 kids are brought to a nearby planet for a routine unsupervised camping trip as part of their highschool graduation. The future is wild. As plot convenience would have it, something goes wrong and they end up stranded in space. A rough enough situation on its own, but to make matters worse, the group finds signs that what happened was no accident and that the perpetrator is still among them..

Honestly a simple setup and premise, literally Lost but in space… not that I've actually watched lost but yh. anyways for as simple as the plot is the entire story wrapped up in 53 chapters anyways and they honestly squeezed every drop out of it that they could. What really stood out to me was how balanced it all felt.

As in the premise of being intentionally stranded is by no means unique but I feel like a lot of the media I've consumed around that tend to lean into one aspect more than others, like it becomes mostly about the mystery trying to find "whodunnit", or the focus becomes the sense of adventure, exploring the unknown and all that oor,, how it goes more commonly, in my experience at least, is a portrayal of the harshness of survival in the physical or mental sense.

I don't think there's anything wrong with that btw, the premise of being lost is used in many genres and it's up to the author to decide how much they want to lean into any genre. for example drifting net cafe, suicide island and dragon head are some lost horror type beats I've read, enjoyed and would definitely recommend.

In any case as I was saying about Astra lost in space, cause that's what I should be talking about here… is I loved how balanced it all was. Yes they're stranded and have to survive but it's not so overbearing that we can't take in the adventure of the unknown and yes we're seeing all these cool sights and different hypothetical evolutionary paths in space but also let's all be aware that one of us is probably plotting a murder yk? what tied this all up were the characters themselves like they felt really natural, yh a lot was going on but they're still just kids and they were sent out for a camping trip in the first place so come hell or high water they were gonna have some amount of fun or die trying. not that everyone was always on the same page and they didn't have disagreements and drama and so on but their individual quirks and character traits converged and diverged masterfully for a beautiful dynamic between the cast amongst themselves, and between the cast and their environment.

great cast and direction as I said, pretty standard art, nothing too crazy but it did what it needed to do, I also liked the little 4 panel bonus comics they did every now and then as well, all in all a pretty great read with some pretty neat twists I won't even allude to for fear of spoilers, especially for how short it was but yh, astra lost in space top 1 new read this month…

honourable mentions:

Akane Banashi(Yuuki SUEnaga doing the story & Takamasa Moue on art, 2022, ongoing 71 chapters)

'Tis time for "torture" princess ( Robinson haruhara on story and hirakei on art, 2019, ongoing 196 chapters)

Sakamoto Days(Yuuto Suzuki , 2020, ongoing 128 chapters),

ok now we're heading into

Manga Read Before This Month

(here I'll give less detail cause I would have mentioned a few of these repeatedly before + I want more of the shine on newer stuff tbh)

mini section

Was this axed? Why was this axed?:

top 1

Psyren(Toshiaki lwashiro, 2007, 151 chapters)

people are going missing and a secret society called psyren seems to be responsible. won't go farther than that but will say it's held up as one of the best shonen works I've ever read since the first time I read it in like 9 or 10th grade. still in disbelief that it was canceled cause you can barely tell when you read it. it's only after I finished it and was looking into some things I realised.

honourable mentions:

ayashimon, phantom seer, black torch

main sections

way way back (1960s - 80s):

top 1

Dragon Ball(Akira Toriyama, 520 chapters,1984)

don't think I need to say much here but I mention the sandwich of technique in the episode.

honourable mentions:

JJBA part1-3, Saint Seiya, city hunter

wasn't that just the other day (1990s - 2010s)

top 1

Rookies(Morita Masanori, 1998, 233 chapters)

delinquent baseball, real heartwarming story, great art cast and pacing, masanori really takes the cake when it comes to the delinquent aesthetic but yh… was my #2 in s1 ramble 12 & #3 in s1 ramble 1

honourable mentions:

eyeshield 21, slam dunk, Yu yu hakusho

what's up today? (2010s - present)

chainsaw man (tatsuki fujimoto, 2018, 137 ongoing)

look at the title lol

honourable mentions

fire punch, Tokyo ghoul series, My hero academia

other folks to check out on twitter:

https://twitter.com/KushiKuritikaru?t=2Tn-79ub0XyUqWM3XgEFWA&s=09

https://twitter.com/manga_crash?t=FzKQrpvb_rFwxHIe13Sqbw&s=09

then as usual I do a little part 2 where I ramble a bit 😅

thanks for reading so far, hope there's something that caught your fancy 🍻🍻🍻

6 notes · View notes

thistleandthorn-rpg · 1 year

Photo

Welcome Callie with your accepted app for Birdie Astor! Please check out this page for more information and send us her blog within 48 hours! Welcome to the group!

OOC INFORMATION:

Name/Alias: Callie Preferred pronoun: She/They Age: 25 Timezone/Country: GMT UK RP Experience: I genuinely can’t give an estimate I just know it’s been Years. Activity Level: 7/10 ish

IC INFORMATION:

Name: Elizabeth ‘Birdie’ Matilda Astor Designation: submissive Age: 25 Birthdate (click here for list): June 13th Faceclaim: Hayley Williams Orientation: Pansexual Kinks: Age-play, pain play, praise, orgasm control, sensory deprivation Anti-Kinks: Vore, gore, bathroom play, feet

Key Points:

Tries to find the good in everyone and everything - even when it’s difficult

Deceptively intelligent - plays several instruments and speaks three languages

Has been trying to stop biting her nails for years

Appears naive and gullible

Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 16

BIO:

From an early age it had been Elizabeth’s mother's goal to shape her daughter into what she considered to be the perfect submissive. Long before receiving her mark was even thought of her mother had planned all sorts of lessons. At the age of seven Elizabeth was taught some basic stitches for sewing and how to properly present herself in public.

The lessons continued for years afterwards, and some of what she learned she knew would be useful but there was part of her that didn’t want to be another baby making submissive, but Elizabeth could never bring herself to say anything.

At the age of ten it was her father that decided his precious little girl needed to learn how to protect herself in the big wide world. He took it upon himself to teach her what he knew about self defense, it was safe to say that those lessons were much more enjoyable, even if her mother scolded her for tripping and ruining some clothes or getting a bruise she didn’t really mind.

Those lessons continued too, alongside her mother’s, and although she enjoyed them both neither were anything like what she wanted to do.

Elizabeth was fourteen when her grandma noticed it one day. They were watching television together, a channel that she’d let her granddaughter pick, and to say that it was unexpected was an understatement. She’d chosen to watch a medical programme, not a fictional one, but one that watched as real doctors and nurses attended to real patients. Elizabeth watched her grandma closely to see how she would react to that but when she saw nothing but genuine smiles she relaxed.

It was her grandma that she told first, that she wanted to be a doctor one day and help people, and her grandpa not too long after that. They both loved the idea. A couple of Elizabeth’s aunts had worked as nurses before but it was unheard of for a woman in the Astor family to become a doctor.

She kept it a secret from her parents for the time being. She couldn’t stand the thought of them being angry or disappointed with her for wanting something different. The things they wanted her to learn were useful too so Elizabeth didn’t really see the point in potentially starting an argument with them.

BIO QUESTIONS:

What are your feelings about the mark you have received?

Honestly, it didn’t come as much of a surprise, and I’m pretty okay with it. My daddy always said I was like whiskey in a tea cup and he never knew what mark I’d get ‘til I got it.

How do your feelings on the system compare to your parents’ feelings on it?

I mean, they’re not exactly…the same. I had a great time growing up and I was more than happy to play the part of the perfect daughter in public but I don’t see everything as black and white as they do.

Where do you see yourself after you graduate?

I’d love to go travelling, see the whole world, absorb as much of it as I can. Maybe I’ll get my masters, maybe I’ll have kids, who’s to say?

How do you feel about authority?

There’s a time and a place, for sure, but I don’t think it’s the best thing since sliced bread.

#accepted #callie

0 notes

lexaprogemini · 4 years

Text

dating a gen z girl | edward cullen

Pairing: Edward Cullen x Fem!Reader

Category: Fluff with a dash of sexual references (you’re welcome)

Content Warnings: Sexual references, maybe some curse words

A/N: Friendly reminder that my requests are open if your thirst for Edward isn’t quenched ;) Here are the rules to read before sending in your requests!

first of all

he’s definitely your lock screen on your phone

it’s a candid pic of him laughing, which is a rare occurrence

you convince him and the rest of his family to get iphones

rosalie, alice, and emmett would already have iphones, MAYBE esme and carlisle too

jasper and edward? ehhhhhhh

edward HATES his iphone

but his lock screen is a selfie of you two (you forced him into taking a pic with you)

to be fair, he is a little outdated

he’ll use it as little as possible

he’ll only use his phone to communicate with you when you’re not together (also a rare occurrence)

he just thinks that he has no use for it; he doesn’t understand why gen z raves about technology so much

fucking grandpa

you two facetime every night; it’s the only way you can fall asleep now

occasionally you’ll beg him to come over so he sneaks into your bedroom

edward literally cannot say no to you

he is WHIPPED

✿✿✿ soft spot!!!! ✿✿✿

so he sneaks in and lays with you in your bed

you two just talk until you finally drift asleep

he usually talks about life before he met you ;-; so many experiences

anyway

you try to keep him updated on pop culture but he feels... indifferent

“y/n, all of these apps are the exact same”

“honey, no, instagram and tiktok are completely different...”

you send him memes

a lot of memes

he’ll text you like, “Y/N, go to sleep. We have a test in the morning.”

“omfg edward but look it’s a dresser falling on three babies”

“I’m going to block you.”

“at least emmett appreciates my humor”

“You’re insane.”

“you love it”

“GOODNIGHT.”

after he sends that last text, you facetime him

... he immediately answers :’)

edward definitely has his read receipts off and you hate it

“baaaaabe this is important i could be dying”

“I can literally read your mind.”

you definitely set up a group chat with the rest of his family

you and emmett send memes

alice occasionally joins in

aaaand edward and rosalie tell you to stfu

they probably have the group chat muted

edward also hates emojis

you BEG him to play 8 ball with you but he negotiates other games

he demolishes you at anagrams, word hunt, chess, checkers... sigh

whatever, you play 8 ball and cup pong with emmett

you demand aux powers whenever edward drives

you have similar music tastes so it’s GREAT omfg

he shows you old tunes, you show him new ones

i think we all know that you both share a playlist that’s meant for sexy times without the premarital sex heheheheh

edward smirks to himself when he scrolls through the playlist and you melt

i’m getting spotify vibes for you both

you make playlists for each other

LONG ROADTRIPS!!! without interfering with quileute territory

when your parents go out of town, he stays with you at your house the entire time

you force him into movie marathons :-)

then you coerce him into makeout sessions oops

you’re going to be the death of him

figuratively

trying to get him into video games

i feel like if he did happen to enjoy a video game, it would be something like the witcher or zelda or something along those lines

definitely prefers playstation

but also there’s moments like:

“what’s the point of this???”

“do your tasks and don’t die”

he groans and collapses onto you, suffocating you with his weight

“get off! you’re freezing!”

he starts laughing as you try to free yourself from beneath him, “we could do something to warm you up”

he’s grinning omfg this shit. eating. grin.

you get excited which turns into embarrassment

your cheeks turn red and you’re all flustered and shy, knowing he’s trying to get a reaction out of you

you hit him with one of your pillows and he easily dodges it

he’s laughing so hard now

you groan in frustration and leave your room, his laughter following you as you sulk down the stairs

#twilight imagines #twilight imagine #twilight headcanons #twilight headcanon #edward cullen x reader #edward cullen imagines #edward cullen imagine #edward cullen headcanon #edward cullen headcanons #edward cullen #twilight

2K notes · View notes

mayraki · 3 years

Text

✧ chapter three: a boyfriend like him - b. barnes x oc series ✧

-> zacharylevis’ gif

‘let’s play fire with fire’ series masterlist

my masterlist

summary: as bucky, sera and sam prepare themselves for their next step into the mission, some weird and unexpected events lead to new feelings and fights growing into their little team.

FEEDBACK IS ALWAYS APPRECIATED! :)

“Jayme Jefferson. That’s his name.” Sera said to the poor working girl trying to catch every word Sera was saying.

“Yeah, I know him but he doesn’t work here anymore. He quit three days ago.” The girl said while she was cleaning the counter at the coffee shop. Sera furrowed her eyebrows as she felt her heart dropping to her stomach when the math hit right in her head. “Three days ago?” She asked getting closer to the girl before she slowly nodded, trying to understand what were all the questions about.

“That’s very odd.” Sam said behind Sera which made everyone turn to him.

“What is?” The girl asked confused but non of them even tried to explain something to the confused girl, Sera just sigh and turned to the working girl once again.

“Can you describe him for me?”

“I don’t know. He was very tall and strong, he had tattoos on his neck and arms. But what caught my attention even more when I met him was his white hair.”

“White hair?” Bucky asked quickly.

“Yeah.” Sera noticed how the girl locked eyes with Bucky and soon felt intimidated by the way he was looking at her, or maybe it was the way someone as attractive as Bucky was looking at her, either way she soon regained control of her words and kept talking. “I first got really confused because he didn’t seem the type to work at a coffee shop and from the back he looked like an old man, you know, the white hair and all. But his face didn’t show him being more than 40.”

“I don’t know about you,” Sam said “but that guy sounds like the perfect sidekick douche who would follow the big man like a dog following a treat.”

The girl furrowed her eyebrows confused at the comparison while looking at Sam but then when Sera nodded and let out a long sigh, she went back to her with the confusion still on her face. “Alright. Thank you for your help.”

“Are you guys like detectives or something?” She asked the moment the three of them were about to leave the counter.

“Not really-” Sam said but then was interrupted by the girl gasping loudly and covering her mouth with her hand, gaining a couple of stares on the way.

“Oh my God, you’re the Falcon.” She said in a loud whisper as Sam immediately let out a tiny smile and nodded.

“Yeah, I am.”

Sera turned to Bucky with an eyebrow lifted as he had his arms across his chest, she took a step to be closer to him and then whispered to him. “I didn’t know he had a fan club.” Sera said with a tiny smile on her face but Bucky didn’t respond, he just let out a tiny laugh and kept looking at the girl trying to not freak out.

“Can I get you guys anything?” She said once she took the picture with Sam and left her phone inside her back pocket.

Sera tilted her head sideways and lifted her eyebrows. “Do you have anything with vodka in it?” As soon as she said those words she heard Sam letting out a tiny laugh while Bucky just shook his head, even though a little smile escaped his lips.

The girl let out a smile but then shook her head. “Not really.”

“Then I’m good, thank you.�� Sera said after letting out sigh and finally turning around to sit down at one of the tables, disappointed of the poor progress they just made.

“So he decides to quit a day before going out with Angela. The more we found out about him is not good on his case.” Bucky said once they all sat down and tried to recolect all the information they had.

“No, it isn’t.” Sera said while looking at the window she had next to her seat.

Sera’s eyes were directed to the window but her mind wasn’t in it at all, all she could think about it was her friend and where she might be... or even if she was alive in the first place. That thought consumed her brain fully no matter how much she tried, even if she wanted to erase it and focus on what was important: finding her. “Is there anything else your friend told you about him?” Sam asked trying to catch Sera’s eyes, but she didn’t took them away from the window.

“Not that I recall. She was just very excited and- couldn’t wait to go out with him.” She said softly.

Bucky y Sam noticed the way that Sera was acting and couldn’t help but feel guilty about the whole situation. Yes, it wasn’t their fault that the guy they were after took Angela, Jackson was the one to blame, but they were the reason Sera and her friend were in it to begin with. They both locked eyes while Sam was letting out a tiny sigh as the guilt was growing each second that was passing. “Sounds like she really liked him.” He said and Sera slowly nodded furrowing her eyebrows. She was on her own world, trying to get every idea she had on him and her friend right in order to see if anything she hadn’t thought before could help her, but no matter how many things she remembered or even could slightly help her, nothing seemed to take her to the next step or even make sense. As Bucky had his eyes on Sera, even if she wasn’t staring at him he could see the sadness in her eyes. He felt so stupid and useless because there was nothing that was coming to his mind that could help her in any way, nothing that could make her feel better o even push the mission a little bit. And Sam’s silence made him understand that he didn’t had anything either. The silence surrounding their table became so awful that the tension could be cut with a knife. But Sera didn’t seem to care, her eyes were still glued to the window, so still that she looked like she was frozen, even if her mind wasn’t.

Bucky’s mind was still trying to look for something when he felt his phone vibrating on his backpocket. Picking it up to see what it was he reached his hand towards his back and unlocked it once he had it on his hand. His eyes were moving towards the notification but then quickly stopped once the app that was going to save them appeared on his sight. “Wait, we have his name, right?” Bucky said gaining the looks of Sera and Sam. Sera nodded confused as she and Sam were waiting for Bucky to speak again. “I know this app.”

“Do you know an app?” Sera asked with an eyebrow raised.

“Yes... what?” Bucky asked looking back and forth to Sam and Sera and their confused looks.

“Nothing. Is just a little bit weird having grandpa talk about apps. That’s all.” Sera said gaining a tiny laugh out of Sam’s mouth.

Bucky slightly opened his mouth offended. “What? I know about apps.”

“Knowing how to open your contacts list isn’t knowing an app.” Sam said looking at Bucky’s phone and realising that there wasn’t more than 2 apps on his phone.

Bucky looked down to his phone screen and moved his fingers looking for something to show them both. “I have- I have Instagram.” He lifted his phone and waved it as the app was opening. Sera and Sam gave Bucky a weird look so he took down the phone and shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t post anything- I just, I downloaded because it has pretty pictures.”

Sera bit her lower lip trying to hide a laugh coming out of her mouth as a thought came into her mind. Trying to keep that thought inside, she closed her eyes but her mouth seemed to have a mind of its own since it didn’t took long to let out the words after that. “Pretty pictures of pretty ladies showing their butts?” She said to annoy him with her joking tone.

Bucky’s eyes went wide open as Sam let out the biggest laugh ever, gaining some looks from the people on the coffee shop. “What?! I don’t follow that.”

“He definitely follows at least one.” Sam said trying to see Bucky’s phone screen.

“Oh, c’mon, no shame here. They’re hot.” Sera said trying to not laugh at Bucky’s expression.

“Yeah, man- I mean, we get it. You spent a lot of years like a frozen lolly pop, I get that is new for you to have all those things right on your hand. It was weird for me too!”

Bucky let out a long sigh and shook his head. “How did we get here?”

Sera locked eyes with Sam and they both saw how the other didn’t want to end the conversation, and wanting to annoy Bucky even more, Sera tilted her head and started naming with her fingers. “Is she blonde? Brunette? Long hair or short hair? C’mon, how does grandpa like his women?” She said loudly enough so the people around them heard. As some people were staring, Bucky turned around and did a little smile before going back as Sera with his killing stare.

“Seriously?”

“It’s cool man!” Sera said lifting his hands into the air.

“Granda has Instagram, cool to know.” Sam said after letting out a laugh and playfully punching Bucky on the arm.

“Can we go back to my app please?”

“Sure, enlighten us with your app, please.”

Bucky rolled his eyes and touched the icon to slowly see the app opening. Once opened, he turned the phone around to show the screen to Sam and Sera, who quickly got closer to the phone. “This app allows us to search for anyone on the system.”

“System?”

“Yeah. You write their name down and you can see a little bit of information about them and some of their family tree.”

Sera looked at Sam confused but then went back to Bucky. “And how, may I ask, do you know about this app?”

Bucky didn’t respond immediately. He didn’t know if he should tell the truth or not. He didn’t used the app anymore but the reason why he used it wasn’t something that anyone would pas unnoticed, even if he wasn’t what he used to be anymore. “I used to use it for... to search people.” He said but when Sam and Sera didn’t say anything back, he let out a tiny sigh and looked at his phone screen. “People that I used to know as the winter soldier.”

“Ah, got it.” Sera said nodding, not giving much importance to the reason why Bucky had it. And that, caught his attention. She didn’t ask why, or what did he exactly did with it, or anything else, she just nodded and waited for Bucky to keep talking about the app. He clearly wasn’t expecting that, and his eyes were definitely saying. He locked eyes with Sera and noticed the little smile she had on her face. Her eyes weren’t full of disappointment or fear like Bucky would usually see when he talked about his winter soldier past, her eyes were just... looking at him. Like he was a person ready to help her out, not seeing him as a... killer. And that wasn’t very common with the new people on his life.

“How do know this app is going to work?” Sam asked making Bucky and Sera turned to him.

“It worked for me.” Bucky shrugged his shoulders while getting the app ready.

“Ok, fine, but there’s probably like a hundred thousand of people named Jayme Jefferson.”

“I never said it was going to be easy.”

“I don’t know a lot of people with the name Jayme...” Sera let out a tiny sigh but then furrowed her eyebrows tilting her head to the side “but at the same time I don’t have many friends, so- do it.” As soon as Sera said those words Bucky nodded and looked down to his phone screen. Impatiently, Sera and Sam looked at each other as they were waiting for Bucky to type with her slow fingers. Silence now surrounded them for the second time, but not wanting to go down that dark whole one again, Sera let out tiny smile ready to annoy a working Bucky.

“Look at grandpa with his cellphone and all. Looking all smart and shit.” She said and soon Sam let out a laugh, pushing Bucky with his shoulder.

“Looking all modern. I can get used to that.” He said and Bucky let out an annoyed sigh.

“I hate you two.” He said firmly without taking his eyes away from the screen.

“Aw, stop it.” Sera said moving her hair out the way and tucking it behind her ear. “You’re going to make me blush.”

Bucky left the phone on the table and blocked it. “It’s going to take a couple of minutes.“

“Alright. So let’s go back to the note, it had the letter ‘J’ in it, right?” Sam asked turning to Sera and she quickly nodded. “So, are we sure that Jackson is the one behind it all? I mean, we got another candidate for the whole situation. Or the whole group has like an obsession with the letter J.”

Sera thought for a little bit but then slowly shook her head, feeling her insides burn. “My apartment was all burned and Jackson likes to play with fire. I’m pretty sure it’s him.”

“Alright but we have to be open for other possibilities. Maybe someone who you crossed you on the past.”

“A lot of people don’t like me.”

“Can’t imagine why.” Bucky let out a tiny laugh when Sera gave him the death stare and a fake smile afterwards.

“Aw, the grandpa has jokes now?” Sera jokingly asked but when Bucky was about to open his mouth again, his phone vibrated.

“I got the results back.” He said reading the notification on his screen and quickly unlocking it.

“What does it say?” Sam asked intrigued.

“Ok, there’s a guy that lives a couple of blocks away from here...-” Bucky started reading but then stopped, shaking his head slowly “but he’s 80 years old.”

“Yeah, I’m guessing that’s not him.” Sam said but Sera slight tilted her head backwards, disappointed.

“Well, the girl said that he looked like an old man. Maybe he has some super baby face.” She said, going back to looking at Bucky.

“The next one says that the guy works at a flower shop and has Italian background. Family is from there.”

“Next.” Sera said quickly, shaking her head.

“Ok, the next one... died five years ago.”

“Could be a ghost.” Sam said.

“And this one says that he works at a night club and- weird.”

“What?”

Bucky’s eyes started reading but he wasn’t saying any words. He kept reading and reading until he looked up and finally let out the words Sera and Sam were impatiently waiting. “It doesn’t say anything about his family. It always says something.”

Sera felt her thoughts looking for something even if she didn’t know what it was. But then, Angela’s voice came into her head. “Wait- did you said he works at a night club?”

Bucky nodded. “Why?”

“Angela started telling me like a week ago that she wanted to go to this club on the city, some big famous club that rich and famous people go.”

“And what about it?” Sam asked confused.

“Angela hates going to clubs, she’s more of a big reunion at a house with friends. At first I thought she wanted to try something new and didn’t give much thought into it. But now...” she stopped while her brain was coming up with the conclusion. Once it did, she was about to open her mouth but Sam spoke for her, coming up with the same conclusion like Sera.

“Who better to make someone leave their comfort zone-”

“Than a guy who drives your crazy and you’re very interested in.” Sera finished his sentence and they both let out a tiny smiles, proud of themselves and their tiny progression for the mission.

“I think we got our guy.” Sam said and without another second, him and Sera got up from the table, except Bucky who kept staring at the table without moving a finger.

“Why?” He finally asked when he had the eyes of Sera and Sam on him, both confused. “Why would she want to go there?”

“It’s a club, and the guy she likes works there. It’s simple, Bucky.” Sera said shaking her head.

“Yeah, I know, but what about festivals? Isn’t that better if you want to go on on a... date?”

“Seriously?” Sam asked while Sera closed her eyes not believing what her ears were hearing.

“Yeah. Give the girl some flowers and then take her to the festival.”

Sera locked eyes with Sam who just let out a tiny sigh and shook his head. “He’s from the 40’s. I don’t know.”

Sera turned to Bucky to whisper: “Grandpa” before leaving the table and a confused Bucky behind.

“I’m just saying! And that isn’t an insult! Grandpas are cool!”

>>>

Sera looked out the window and rolled her eyes the moment Sam parked the car in front of the mall. “Sam, we don’t have to do this.” She said turning to see Sam, who just nodded locking eyes with Sera.

“Yes you do. And so does Bucky.” Bucky quickly turned to Sam and opened his mouth offended.

“Why me too?”

“Because you don’t have anything to wear.”

“Yes I do. This is perfectly fine.”

“Yes, if you want to look like a drug dealer or everyone to know that you’re a screwdriver,” Sera bit her lower lip trying to contain her laugh as Sam pointed at Bucky’s tiny sleeves showing a tiny part of his metal arm “you need to get new clothes.” Seeing that Sera wanted to laugh at Bucky, Sam pointed at her and soon that feeling was erased from her. “And your clothes are all burnt and we don’t want you two to gain a lot of eyes. We need to blend in. You do want to do this the right way, don’t you?” Sam waited for Sera to say that she wanted to, but instead, she tilted her head to the side and slowly shook her head.

“Not really.”

“Surprisingly,” Bucky said pointing with his head at Sera on the backseat “I’m with her on this one.”

“C’mon, torch and screwdriver, out of the car.” Sam unlocked the door and as Sera was letting out a long sigh, she took her hand to the handle and quickly opened it.

“You suck.” She said annoyed but Sam just let out a loud laugh.

“Uh, that was a throwback!”

>>>

As Sera’s was impatiently moving her foot up and down, the old lady was looking for a dress that would fit Sera perfectly. Or at least, what the lady thought it would since the smile on her face let Sera and Bucky know that she had what she was looking for, even if Sera didn’t know what that was. “How about this one?” The old lady said the moment she grabbed a dress and lifted it to be in front of Sera. She took her time to see the dress in detail, even if there was not much to look. The frabic seemed thin and see through. It was a color of light orange with sparkles glowing on every side of the dress, making it look like a disco ball and ready to party kind of dress. Sera didn’t know what she wanted, but that was definitely not it. “Uh, that looks... tight.” She said looking at the dress up and down.

“Oh, sweetie,” the old lady grabbed her arm as a smile came out of her lips “you have an amazing figure! You!” She quickly turned to Bucky, who immediately erased his bored expression out of his face and opened his eyes wide open when the old lady slightly punch his arm with the palm of her hand. “Tell her she has a wonderful figure!”

“What? Me?” Bucky asked confused the moment he understood what the woman was trying to say and Sera bit her lower lip trying to hold in a laughter.

“Do you see another man with her? Yes, I’m talking to you, Mr! Compliment your girlfriend!”

Sera, wanting to follow the woman and annoy Bucky, shook her head and let out a long and dramatic sigh. “You’re right. He never compliments me.”

“Men!” The woman said while putting the dress back on the shelf and looking for another one.

“Tell me about it.” Sera said and then quickly turned to Bucky to enjoy the annoyed smile he let out. “Unbelievable.” Bucky said in a whisper which lead to Sera letting out a tiny laugh but then turn back to the old lady, as she was already grabbing another dress to show Sera.

“What about this one?” They both stared at the dress in detail. It was red and it was thinner as the one before, but this one had one thing different: it was shorter. Sera knowing that she didn’t want it, she shook her head but as she was about to open her mouth, she felt Bucky getting closer to the dress to grab it and feel the fabric against his free hand. Carefully watching Bucky, Sera closed her mouth and enjoyed the confused man she had in front of her.

“I think that’s shorter than the one before.” Bucky said with his eyebrows furrowed as her fingers were moving along the dress.

Sera knew that it wasn’t the dress she wanted for the night club, she knew that wearing that dress could lead to her being uncomfortable and not ‘mission’ worthy. She definitely knew that. And for that, Bucky would be right about the dress being too short for her... but she wasn’t going to let that happen. “What?” Sera said quickly. “I can’t wear short dresses?”

The women let out a loud gasp and shook her head in disapproval, while looking at Bucky and his even more confused face. “The audacity of some men!”

“Ok, I’m starting to believe you two made an unspoken agreement to be against me.” Bucky lifted his hands into the air after letting go of the dress and took some steps backwards, ready to sit down on one of the chairs next to the changing rooms, but the old lady wasn’t going to let him get away that easily.

“You’re the one who doesn’t let his beautiful girlfriend wear whatever she wants. Ugh, we always have to deal with boyfriends like him.”

“Like me?”

“Yes, like you Mr. Boyfriends who don’t seem to realise that they’re lucky to have a girl like this one by their side. You’re very fortunate! I mean, look at her!”

Sera let out a laugh but then joined in, once again. “Yes! Look at me, Mr!”

Bucky let out a sigh and slowly shook his head. “All of these because I didn’t compliment her on her figure?”

“Damn right!” The woman and Sera said at the same time.

Sera closed her lips with strength trying to not burst into laughter while Bucky was just killing her with his eyes, but no matter how much he stared, she just couldn’t help but enjoy the feeling of annoying Bucky. “Ok. I’m just gonna sit down and wait for when you two decide to stop hating me.” Bucky said before turning around to head towards the chairs.

“Don’t hold your breath!” Sera yelled to then finally, let out the biggest laugh she ever let out.

Bucky’s eyes were glued to the curtains of Sera’s changing room since she walked in to try on the dress the woman picked for her. For some reason, he couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that the old lady mistaken them both for a couple. He couldn’t even remember the last time someone was... his girlfriend. Even back then, the thought of having a girlfriend seemed so far away for him, ignoring the fact that he was kind of a ladies men, he didn’t even thought about it. And now- after everything that he went through, having to think of someone as normal as having a girlfriend. It was so weird and distant for him, something that he had forgotten how it felt like. Even if it was as simple as that.

“How is it going, sweetie?” The woman said gaining Bucky’s attention making him come back to reality. He looked at the woman as she was waiting for Sera’s answer, and once she did she let out smile and nodded. But the immediately erased it as soon as she locked eyes with the innocent Bucky sitting down in front of Sera’s changing room. “You. You better compliment her with she comes out.” She intimidatingly pointed at Bucky as she gave him a killing stare, almost threatening.

“I will, I will.” He lifted his hands into the air while the lady walked passed him and disappeared behind Bucky. “Jesus. I didn’t know I was going to get told off by someone younger than me today.” He said almost in a whisper. As soon as he let out a sigh he heard the curtain doors opening and the woman quickly walking towards Sera and her new dress.

“So, how does it look?” She said looking down and checking herself out while feeling the fabric against her hands.

The moment Bucky’s eyes laid on her, his tongue got twisted and his mouth went out of breath. The same feeling when people see something to the first time, the electrify going through their body, the eyes wondering every single detail, the desire of touching it and feeling it trying to remember how it feels for later. That’s how Bucky felt the moment she walked out the changing room. It had been a long time since Bucky layed eyes on someone like her, and for the way his eyes were looking at her made it pretty obvious.

Sera had a long red dress that would end on her knees, following her body magically and fitting it like a glove. Right on the end it would let Sera’s legs to move easily and move like the wind was hitting it, but it was just her legs moving. The thin straps let her shoulders and neck be more visible than ever, making her even more elongated than she already was. The redness fitted her skin color perfectly, making it glow under the light of the room and shine like the tiny diamond earrings she was wearing. The red dress was simple, but on her, it wasn’t. And Bucky definitely knew that.

“Oh, that’s even better.” The woman said noticing the silence surrounding Bucky. “A dress that leaves a man without words. We did it.” She gave Sera a high five and walked away, proud of herself and Sera, for leaving Bucky with twisted tongue and with wondering eyes, not being able to take them off her.

“Close your mouth, Romeo,” Sera said pointing with her at Bucky and his slightly opened mouth, him not even noticing it “or a fly will go inside your mouth.” She let out a tiny laugh and titled her head trying to see the embarrassment on Bucky’s face.

“I’ll go pay.” He said trying to sound annoyed once his gained full control of his body and left Sera behind, even if his mind was screaming to not do so.

The moment Sera stepped inside the changing room Bucky’s eyes on her appeared on her mind. The feeling he gave her on her stomach was still even if his eyes were long gone. She bit her lower lip locking eyes with herself on the mirror. It had been a long time since anyone has looked at her like that. It wasn’t like he was looking at her like he wanted to take her to bed, or checking her butt or any other part of her body... she felt like he was liking her. Liking the way she looked on that dress and enjoying her. Not her body, just Sera being under that particular dress. She didn’t know if it was because she hadn’t been around a man in a long time and that’s why she was liking it, or she was liking the fact that it was Bucky who just got mermerised by her, but there was one thing she knew. The butterflies going crazy on her stomach weren’t just there because she missed being looked like that.

“Even if I was harsh with you, I do believe you two make a beautiful couple.” The women said once she grabbed Bucky’s credit card. She went completely silent waiting for Bucky to say something, but he didn’t know what to let out. “She’s a wonderful girl. And I noticed the way you looked at her,” the woman locked eyes with him and let out a tiny, genuine smile “you seem to like her very much.” As soon as those words hit Bucky’s ears his heart dropped to his stomach and not wanting to appear weird, he let out a tiny smile to the woman and nodded, even if that made him look even more weird that he already looked.

Trying to block his mind from taking him places he didn’t want to, he looked around to the dresses he had on his side and tried to see every little detail their had. Flowers, glitter, sparkles, words, quotes, long, short sleeves, tight, loose, he saw everything that was left to see but even then, she was still on his mind. The feeling of having her by his side and calling her his girlfriend... it seemed so weird and yet there he was, imagining it since the old lady said it.

“Bye!” So lost on his thoughts, Bucky didn’t realised that Sera left the changing room and was now by his side, with his payed dress on her hand and waving the card in front of Bucky’s face. “Thank you for your help!” The old lady winked at her and that made Sera turn around to face Bucky confused, who just gently grabbed her arm and dragged her out of the shop. “What happened?” Sera asked once their feet were out.

“Oh, nothing, nothing.” Bucky said, wanting to leave everything that happened inside that store behind.

“How did it go?” Sam asked the moment his eyes crossed with Sera’s after waiting for them in the car.

“Oh, Sam,” Sera said with a smile after arriving next to him “Bucky got told off by an old lady. It was awesome.”

Sam, confused and surprised at Sera’s words, turned to Bucky who seemed tired and annoyed at the whole situation, but before he could ask something about it Bucky lifted his hand and stopped him. “Don’t ask.” He said before going inside the car, leaving a very confused Sam behind.

The whole way to the apartment Sera and Sam spent talking about their mission and what was next. The night was coming closer and they needed to have everything in order, according more to Sam than to Sera. The car and then the apartment was filled with their voices going back and forth, nothing much out of the ordinary. Expect for one thing, Bucky didn’t let out a word since they all left the mall. It was definitely something weird coming from him since he always had something to say or even be grumpy about, but this time nothing but silence was coming out of his mouth.

Sera, of course, noticed this since once she called him screwdriver he didn’t even let out the same annoyed smile he would always do. Nothing.

Preparing herself for the night that was coming, she walked into the bathroom and took all of her clothes from her body to put on the red dress and black shoes she bought. Sera’s mind knew that she had to be thinking of Angela and that maybe this night club could lead her to her friend, but for some reason, Bucky didn’t seem to want to leave her thoughts. Since she noticed his silence the moment at the store was going around her mind like crazy. She didn’t know what she felt or what it meant, and not wanting to give much thought into it she focused her mind on the dress that her hands were now holding. But even if she tried her hardest, questions and more questions were appearing as the seconds were passing and the more ready she was to face whatever was outside that door.

Sera was the type to leave the fight unfinished or leave everything and end it herself, not wanting to put in danger the ones beside her. She wound usually leave every feeling untouched and save it inside a locked box in her brain, not wanting to open it ever again. And just like before and every thing she has ever done in her life, once her dress was on her and her shoes were ready to carry her anywhere, she grabbed every confused thought she had about Bucky and saved in a tiny box inside of her, with the intention to put it under every other box that was there and forget about it until her last breath.

Just like moments before, the moment she left the bathrooms the only voices surrounding the room and next thing the car, was Sam and Sera’s. The car street lights of the night started to get into the car as they were closer and closer to the night club. Having so many thoughts inside her brain, Sera didn’t realise this was the first time in a long time where she went undercover. Where she went out and put her life on the line because of a mission, so the moment she realised and all those ugly memories came back to her mind her heart started to beat faster as Sam’s words were coming out of his mouth talking about being careful and such. Her fingertips were feeling the heat going towards them as her hands became hotter and hotter every second. Sera closed her eyes and let out a breath trying to calm herself down, and try to remind herself over and over again that that wasn’t her life anymore. And this time was to save a friend, to keep her safe and fix her mistakes. Nothing more than.

Once her heart came back to normal and the feeling of the air being thicker around her disappeared, she opened her eyes and immediately locked eyes with Bucky in the car’s mirror. Sera wanting to know what they were saying kept the eye contact with him, but before she could let out a single thought, Bucky looked around towards the window as Sam kept talking about the mission.

As soon as her eyes noticed the red neon sign spelling the words “the red velvet club” Sera pulled out her phone and unlocked it to search the text with the guy she contacted to get the tickets to go in. Letting Sam and Bucky know she was going to the front door to make sure everything was alright, she walked out of the car once Sam parked it and started walking towards the big men with black suits on.

“What about you?” Sam asked the second Sera was out of his sight, making a very confused Bucky locked eyes with him.

“Me?”

“You’re quiet. I mean, I’m not complaining. Believe me, this is like a dream come true. Just a little confused on why.”

Bucky shook his head and shrugged his shoulders, not wanting to show any other emotions out. “I’m fine.”

“I didn’t ask if you were fine, I asked why you’re quiet.”

“It sounded like you were asking that.”

“You putting words in my mouth now?”

“What? No!”

Sam looked over to where Sera left and then went back to Bucky, with a grin on his face. “Is it Sera?” Not getting a response back, Sam took that as a yes and asked again: “What happened today and why did you got told off by an old lady?”

“It was nothing.” Bucky answered quickly not wanting to talk about the subject, but the now lifted eyebrow on Sam’s face made his words let out before he could think about them. “Alright, the old lady at the store thought me and Sera were together, and you know her, she played it along and it ended with me getting told off because I didn’t compliment her enough.” As soon as Bucky finished Sam let out a laugh and nodded quickly. “What?”

“That sounds like something she would do.”

“Annoy me? Yes, it does.”

Sam shook his head and went silent while looking at Bucky. “You know, I kinda see it.” He said after a couple of seconds in silence.

“What?”

“You and her. Together. Now that would be a power couple, if you ask me. Your death stare and her red eyes? Wow!” And there it was again, the same feeling Bucky had on the store came back to his body and that made him move uncomfortably on his seat. Sam, noticing this, let out a tiny laugh and grabbed Bucky’s arm. “Oh, am I seeing all the cables on your head malfunctioning? I can see them going all crazy, yes, they’re failing!” He said jokingly as Bucky was facing the other way annoyed, but that didn’t stop him, Sam kept laughing enjoying his little joke he just made. When the silence surrounded the car once again, Sam gently punched Bucky’s shoulder and said softly: “She’s a nice girl, Bucky.”

Bucky let out a tiny sigh turning to face Sam. “I know that. But-”

“But what? Wait, do you have some feelings for her?”

“What? No! Why would you think that?”

“It looked like you were going to say that you do.”

“Oh, you’re putting words in my mouth now?”

“Nice one.” Waiting for Bucky to speak again and answer his question, Sam pushed his arm and waved his hands around impatiently. “So!?”

“So what?” Understanding the look on Sam’s face Bucky quickly shook his head. “No!”

“No? Nothing? Do you feel nothing?”

Bucky nodded. “Nothing.”

Sam noticed the little nod Bucky did and the words that came out of his mouth that were completely different. So he took a mental note and kept it on his brain. “Alright. If you say so.” Bucky nodded again and Sam let out a tiny smile, noticing this little action again on Bucky. Even if Sam couldn’t read minds it seemed like, in a way, he could. Since he was right. Bucky did say nothing but inside his brain, he thought of maybe having some sorts of feelings towards Sera made him and his mind go all sorts of crazy. And he had been there before, so repenting it wasn’t something he wanted to do.

>>>

“You better not get drunk tonight, Mr.” Sera said arriving next to Bucky while the music at the club was hitting their ears. The people around them were dancing and having drinks like there was no tomorrow. Even if the lights were as dark as the room itself the moment Sera arrived next to Bucky she quickly noticed the drink on his hand and his wet lips from taking a sip a second earlier.

“I can’t get drunk.” Bucky said shaking his head before taking the glass to his mouth and dropping half of it inside his mouth.

“Oh, wow, I don’t know if I should feel sorry or envy you.” Sera let her back rest on the counter while her eyes where wondering around the room. “Do you miss it?”

“What? Getting drunk and feeling my head wanting to explode the day after? Not really.”

“Oh, c’mon, what about the fun of drinking and doing shit you’ll regret later, like texting an ex or making out with the first person you see?”

“I can still do that.” Bucky let out a tiny smile but as soon as he saw Sera’s excited face he erased it, knowing what going to happen next.

“Uh! Tell me about those things you did and that you regretted later. Spill the tea.” Sera turned to the side and got closer to Bucky, not wanting to miss any words coming out of his mouth. But Bucky furrowed his eyebrows confused before finishing his drink and leaving it on the counter.

“Spill the tea? Why would I spill the tea? What does that even mean?”

“It means that you spill all the secrets.”

“And why would I want to do that?”

“You don’t have to be so boring. C’mon, I want to know what did Bucky Barnes did when he was a young man, have you ever texted an ex? Hook up with more than three people in one night? C’mon, spill it!”

Bucky let out a long sigh. “And you say you’re not a kid?”

“Hey, screwdriver and torch,” Sam said on their ears “focus on finding the guy, would you? We have a mission to do. Damn! I can’t see shit from up here.” Sera turned to her left and looked up to see Sam on the second floor surrounded by people dancing.

“Those names are never going to get old, are they?” She asked shaking her head after going to back to Bucky, who slowly shook his head.

“Knowing Sam... no.”

After looking around Sera left Bucky behind and started walking around the night club to see if there was something out of the ordinary. But nothing caught her attention, people were dancing, drinking, making out, she even heard some loud fights as she was walking. But nothing that could lead to the guy named Jayme. Going back to the counter and grabbing the drinks menu, she turned her head down but kept her eyes looking up trying to see if anyone with white hair caught her attention, but just like before, nothing. No one that looked like the description the girl at the coffee shop gave them. Soon after she was joined by Bucky but by the way he looked, Sera knew that he didn’t have anything either.

Not having any progression whatsoever, Sera called the bartender and, seconds later, she transformed into a business woman that wanted to work with the boss. So getting the part right, she started asking questions left and right, getting the answer she wanted.

“So, waiting it is.” Sera said when the bartender walked away, after telling Sera the Big Man didn’t came out for another half hour. She turned to the big fake red throne that was on the right side of the night club and sighed, seeing the empty sit under the dark light. “I hate waiting.” She said once she turned towards the counter and grabbed the drinks menu once again.

“Are you old enough to drink?” Bucky asked next to her, looking down to the menu on Sera’s hand.

“Yeah,” Sera said with an eyebrow lifted confused “since like five years ago. How old do you think I am?”

Bucky shrugged his shoulders locking eyes with Sera. “Like twenty.”

“You know, being 106 years old doesn’t mean that you have to act like a grumpy old man.”

“If I want to.”

Sera rolled her eyes and went back to the menu between her hands. “What a fun life- Oh! There’s a drink called ‘Fire Ball’. I think I’m gonna like that one.”

Seconds later, Sera’s hand was now holding her cold drink while Bucky was just staring at her and her little smile on her face. He moved to the side trying to keep his mind focus on the people around him but once Sera lifted her cup to stare at the weird red liquid inside of it, Bucky’s head unintentionally turned back to her to look at her dark pink lips. So focused on her drink, she slightly opened her mouth and tilted her head to the side which made it easier for Bucky to see her cheeks and lips under the dark light. He didn’t know what it was about them, but he couldn’t stop staring at them. It was like he was under some spell and his eyes were glued to her. Suddenly, when she licked her lips making them shine against the light, Bucky quickly moved his eyes to the side when the strange desire of tasting her lips appeared on his. Wondering how they felt like he strengthen his back and moved uncomfortably on his place. But once again, like she was screaming his name, Bucky went back to look at her and immediately stared at Sera’s tongue moving between her lips as she was so focused staring at the strange looking drink. Like a fast train, the image of Bucky’s tongue playing with hers appeared on his mind but quickly wanting to erase it, he moved his head side to side and cleared his throat, embarrassed of his wild thoughts.

At that point, Bucky was so confused on why his mind was having those kind of strange desires and images. He didn’t know what to do or how to stop it, and watching Sera lick her lips once again wasn’t helping him.

“I wonder how they made this.” Sera said innocently, like she didn’t had the man by her side wanting to taste her lips as he was grabbing her cheek with his cold metal arm.

Before Bucky could get his thoughts in order and let out a single word, a guy appeared next to Sera and said with a grin: “You need to be careful with that one, they say it burns your throat like fire.”

Sera turned to the man and looked him up and down. He had a black suit on with a black shirt underneath. His black gloves were hiding his hands but they seemed to be bigger than Sera’s. His hair was brown and messy but it looked good on him and his pink thick lips, they went well with his sharp jawline and big eyebrows. He was definitely tall, probably to heads taller, making his big shoulders look even more bigger from Sera’s perspective. He was ms very was attractive. Looking down to his chest noticing the little name tag and reading “Lyle” Sera smiled to herself and then nodded, going back to his dark green eyes.

“I think I’ll be just fine.” She said seconds before lifting her drink and moving it towards her mouth. Feeling the hot liquid going down her throat Sera closed her eyes and enjoyed it, that usual sensation against her skin and throat going down to her stomach. It was burning like fire, but being Sera, that was just another normal feeling for her.

“Wow. I’m impressed.” Lyle said after Sera opened her eyes and noticing that not single muscle from her face moved since she took that liquid inside her body.

Sera smiled proudly while getting her face closer to Lyle’s. “Not my first time having fire go down my throat.”

Lyle let out a laugh taking Sera’s word as a joke, even if there were nothing but the truth.

“Are you from around here?” He asked.

“Not really. How about you?”

“Yeah, I know a guy that works here so I come pretty often.”

As soon as he said those words Sera’s suspicions bacame true and the opening to finding something out appeared right in front of her eyes. “Interesting.” Sera slowly nodded. “How do you know him?”

“Work.”

“What kind of work?” She asked innocently.

Lyle let out a tiny laugh and then looked the other way. “I’m pretty sure a girl like you doesn’t want to know about the kind of work that I do.”

“A girl like me?” Sera asked with her eyebrows lifted but then when she got not answer from him, she slowly nodded. Even if she was annoyed the guy was playing hard, she let out a little smile not wanting to show any bad emotions to Lyle. “Alright. You’re the mysterious guy, got it.”

“I’m not the mysterious guy.” Lyle let out a laugh once he locked eyes with Sera once again. “I just don’t think your innocent mind would understand what I do. That’s all.”

Sera felt that usual burning sensation on her chest after hearing those words, but instead of burning the guy to the ground like her eyes wanted, she just tilted her head to the side innocently and bit her lower lip. “What makes you think I’m innocent?”

“With that pretty face of yours, c’mon, it’s pretty obvious. I just know you won’t like it, so you and your pretty face can stay being pretty and not worry about anything else.”

Sera smiled even if her mind was planning murder right on that second. She felt her veins pounding as her blood was running faster than before, the anger that was growing on her body felt like it was going to explode the fire inside, but controlling it she let out a tiny laugh and got even more closer to Lyle, who directly looked at her lips and let out a grin.

“And let the men work, right?” She asked.

“Exactly.” Lyle’s grin turned into a smile, and that didn’t help his case on not dying under Sera’s eyes. “I like that we’re starting to understand ourselves.” Sera nodded taking her hand towards his arm and touching it gently ignoring the fact that she felt disgusted by doing it. “Would you like to dance?” Lyle asked noticing her arm and looking back at her desirable eyes.

Sera’s mind was screaming at her to call the whole thing off but wanting to find out more about him and his work was even stronger. So once she nodded with a smile, Lyle let out a grin and moved his arm towards Sera’s back but before his hand could get to her waist, a cold metal arm grabbed it and pushed it away.

Feeling the coldness on her back, Sera turned around and looked at Bucky, who’s jaw was tensed and was looking at Lyle with his killing stare.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Bucky said walking closer to Sera and standing right next to her. She looked at him confused not understanding what was his deal, she was getting close to the guy that might have information and there was Bucky, killing him with his eyes.

“Boyfriend?” Lyle asked turning to Sera.

“He wishes.” She said, trying to not sound angry at Bucky ruining her opportunity.

“Alright then.” Lyle said even if Bucky still wasn’t taking his eyes away from him. “So? How about that dance?” He was about to grab Sera’s waist once again but before he could get any closer, Bucky stepped in front of her to look down at Lyle.

“The lady is going to pass.” Bucky said firmly.

Confused as ever, Sera stepped to the side and touched his shoulder to move him back but he barely moved.

“Bucky.” Sera said to gain his attention but it was useless, he didn’t want to let go of Lyle.

“Hey, how about you leave the pretty lady alone so she can dance with me, alright? I promise I’m gonna take good care of her. She’s in good hands.”

Sera closed his eyes feeling sorry for Lyle since his words weren’t going to help the fact that an angry Bucky wanted to separate his neck from his head right on that moment. For whatever reason.

“Do you still want to keep those hands?” Bucky said firmly getting closer to Lyle’s face and getting his jaw even more tensed that before. It looked like it was going to break the next second. But before Bucky could move another muscle, Sera grabbed his shoulder once again, and this time with more strength and anger inside her body.

“Bucky-"

“What’s your problem, man? Are you seriously angry because she wants me and not you?” The need to punch Lyle became even more stronger for Sera right as he said those words. He was going to be crashed and he didn’t even knew. He had balls for facing someone as frightening looking as Bucky, Sera had to give him that. Stupid, but brave.

“You don’t want to see me angry.” Bucky said once again, trying to kill him with his eyes.

“Bucky!”

“Do you want to take this outside?” Lyle let out a laugh and then turned to grab Sera’s hand and lock eyes with her. “Do you mind, sweetheart? I know it won’t take long.” He was about to give her hand a kiss but before his lips could get anywhere else Bucky grabbed his hand and quickly twisted it to make Lyle leave Sera’s hand alone.

“Hey, hey,” Sam, finally, appeared from behind Bucky and grabbed his shoulder. “chill man.”

“Who are you?!” Lyle asked grabbing his hand in pain.

“I’m sorry, man, why don’t I buy you a drink and we can forget about all of this, huh? Sounds good?” Sam said as Bucky turned the other way and let the biggest angry sigh out of his mouth.

“Whatever. She’s not that worth it, anyway.” Lyle said before shaking his head and walking away, leaving a very confused Sera behind.

“What the fuck was that about?” Sera yelled while turning to Bucky once her mind fully processed what just happened.

“Guys-” Sam lifted his hand to stop Bucky and Sera from having a fight but it was too late, Bucky already turned to Sera to look at her angrily.

“I can ask you the same thing.” He said firmly with hot air coming out of his nose.

“What are you talking about? He said that he knew someone who worked here so I was trying to get more information.”

“Oh is that what you were doing? Because all I could see was you trying to get that guy inside your pants.” Sera opened her mouth offended and felt the fire growing on her fingertips.

“What the fuck is wrong with you? What is your problem?”

“My problem is you not being professional enough.” Bucky got closer to Sera’s face and felt how the air coming out of their mouths were mixing with each other.

“Says the guy who almost got into a fight because someone asked me to dance!”

Bucky let out a grin and licked his lips annoyed, before unintentionally looking down at Sera’s lips. “Just do your job, Thompson.” He said as he locked eyes with her once again.

“I will, Barnes.” Her firm tone felt like it could shake the walls of the night club if she wanted to.

The tension and the anger growing on their veins could be visible from their eyes. The anger each felt inside of them was starting to make them feel like bombs about to explode. Neither of them knew why they felt so angry, but one thing was for sure, it wasn’t angry all they felt for the other.

“Hey, guys, stop it!” Sam put his hand on both chests and with strength pushed them apart, but Bucky and Sera didn’t take their eyes off the other. “Jesus! It looks like you two are going to burn each other with your own eyes.”

“If only I could.” Sera said shaking her head and turning to the side while crossing her arms around her chest.

“Well, maybe later because either someone’s been playing dress up or our guy is here.” As soon as Sam let out those words Bucky and Sera quickly turned to where Sam was looking at and immediately saw the big guy walking towards his big throne. He had a big brown coat on so the only thing there was left to see was his big and long black boots. His hair was long and blonde that went perfectly with his beard. But what caught everyone’s attention even more was the guy’s light blue eyes, almost grey, brighter than any other light at the night club. “Can you two children behave right now or am I going to have to do this alone because you two are going to kill each other?” Sam said gaining the looks of Bucky and Sera once again. Without looking at Bucky, Sera let out a long breath through her nose and walked towards the big guy and his big boy coat.

Sam, turning to Bucky he grabbed his shoulder as they both started to follow Sera.

“So, nothing, huh?” Sam asked after noticing Bucky’s eyes following Sera as she was walking away.

Bucky let out a long angry sigh before looking down to the floor as his feet were walking. That was what he said, and he still stood by it, but someone doesn’t do and feel all of that for someone that it’s just a “Nothing.”

-LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT TO BE ADDED-

@dmonchld @riverquartzuniverse @tamaralicovska @anjuonline @coolstorybro2307-blog @yabarguphi @hamiltonlotteryloser @idunno2bh @saturnxany @lunanicki @love-chx @alexnicolaidisss @sunflowerbecca @thatcatsalem @bravheart2001-blog @oopsiedoopsie23 @hoodedhavok @imagines-r-s @girlboss99 @juliesland @the-ramseyhaller @elarasstardust @valeriafulco @cinnabunsprincess @summerdaughter @aadixteed @unsaidmiaa @xscarletxstarx @astolenheartnkiss @luke-patt @lovefreylove @annab-nana @criminalyetminimal @misswings1864 @marveleverythingg @gopromises @learisa @assassinsasha23 @slytherith @someonesidetracked @fangirlfree @justanordinarygir @hazsdiv @just-another-human-dying @barzybeau @sweetcreaturesposts @lost-blvd @blue-eyed-bitch12 @seasidestyies @missroro

#bucky barnes x avenger!reader #bucky barnes x oc #bucky barnes x original female character #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes x female reader #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes #the winter soldier #the winter soldier imagine #sebastian stan imagine #sebastian stan #the falcon and the winter soldier #tfawts

97 notes · View notes

hauntedbythefanficsofmypast · 4 years

Text

When you need a Superfriend

By Nach0Ava

On Archive of Our Own

Tumblr user: @nach0ava

So I have not really watched Supergirl however when I read the first chapter I had to share this with you all! This is the first chapter by Nach0Ava. (Second chapter is on its way as well!) Marinette gets sent away by her parents to America! Please go read Nach0Ava's story!

Summary:

When Tom and Sabine believe Lila's lies, they send Marinette off to live with an old family friend in National City. When living with a government agent and a physiologist, how long is it until she gets figured out?

Chapter 1:

“I don’t understand! Why are you sending me away?”

Marinette looked up at her parents in disbelief. They had just told her that she was going to be sent to live with a family friend. In America! Sure, she could speak fairly good English, but it still didn’t make sense!

“Your recent behaviour has led us to think that the change could be good for you. Kelly and her girlfriend Alex are lovely people, and they might be better equipped to deal with you than we are.”

As her mother spoke, Marinette felt a bitterness rise in her. Of course. Lila. She had made good on her threat, managing to turn even her parents against her. Claiming that she was involved in a gang, she had an older boyfriend, she did drugs, the list went on. And when Tom and Sabine had caught Marinette out past curfew one too many times, they took it as the truth. She couldn’t tell them that she was Ladybug, so all she had was half-hearted excuses. Still, she needed a way to stay in Paris, as she couldn’t be Ladybug somewhere else, and if there was no Ladybug, there was no-one to catch the akuma, and no-one to cast the cure, never mind all her guardian duties…

She was getting off track. She had a goal and she needed to accomplish it. Just like taking down an akuma. Except she couldn’t hit this problem really hard for it to go away.

“Is there any way I could stay in Paris? I’ll switch schools, I’ll go live with grandpa Roland, I’ll do anything!”

Tom and Sabine exchanged a look. They didn’t want to believe it, but they had to make sure.

“Honey, calm down, aren’t you worried about an akuma?”

Marinette started pacing as she rambled, mostly to herself.

“Right, I’ll get upset, then you guys will get mad at me, and then one or both of you will be akumatised and then I’ll have that whole mess to deal with.”

Tom reached out a hand to her shoulder to stop her pacing.

“You aren’t worried about you getting akumatised?”

Marinette shook her head.

“No no, I’ll be fine.”

A slight push from her bag and the looks from her parents made her backtrack.

“I mean, I’m really good at calming down before they get to me, I mean, it’s worked so far right?”

She let out a nervous chuckle while her parents stared at her.

“Marinette… Are you working with Hawkmoth?”

Marinette looked for the start of a smile from her mum, the laughter in her dad’s eyes, anything to say they were joking. When the just kept staring she burst into laughter.

“Haha, you guys… You guys really thought… Haha, that’s hilarious!”

Her parents failed to see the humour and gave her thatlook.

“Remember all those times I’ve been attacked? Reflekta, Horificator, pretty much any akuma that clones or traps people I’ve gotten tangled up in.”

Not technically a lie, she never said she got hitspecifically, but she definitely got attacked.

“Well, maybe you should get out of Paris anyway. It’s clearly not safe here, and maybe it’s best for you to leave. You’ll like it in National City, they even have their own superheros!”

Great. A reminder of what I have to give up because of Lila. She was about to keep protesting, but she felt three quick pushed on her side by Tikki. We need to talk.Her argument died on her tongue and she sighed.

“When am I meant to leave?”

Her parents exchanged relived looks.

“The plane is booked for next Friday. That gives you about a week to pack up. We could mail over a box with all of your sewing things once you get settled, if Kelly and Alex are ok with it of course.”

Marinette fought the eyebrow that was threating to raise. A week? I was hoping for some more time to test and train a new guardian, and a new holder for Tikki. It would be a rush, and there weren’t many people she trusted anymore. Still, there was work to be done, so she had to get started.

“I guess I’ll go start packing then. Can I be un-grounded so I can spend my final week saying goodbye and sorting things out?”

Her parents nodded, glad she was taking this so well.

“Of course honey, just not tonight ok? It’s getting rather late.”

Marinette nodded and ran up to her room, shutting the trapdoor quickly. She went up onto her bed and starting crying into her pillow, feeling the weight of all the kwami comforting her. Eventually she rolled on to her back, drying her tears.

“I’m sorry Tikki, you said you wanted to talk?”

She looked at her expectantly. Marinette already knew what Tikki wanted. She needed to find a new wielder and Guardian, and she shouldn’t have been putting it off, but sometimes it felt good to cry. Tikki came to settle on her lap and patted her leg comfortingly.

“Marinette I know what you’re thinking, and you don’t have to give up being Ladybug or being Guardian. So you better stop that train of thought right now missy.”

Marinette sat up, blinking. How could she… Oh.

“I’m an idiot.”

Tikki giggled while she flew up and booped her nose, while Kaalki sniffed from the corner.

“I can’t believe you forgot about me Guardian. You’ve given me out before!”

Marinette giggled at the kwami’s haughty attitude.

“Sorry Kaalki, I got a bit too emotional to think clearly.”

Kaalki just grabbed a sugar cube with a huff and flew off. Marinette climbed off her bed and grabbed her bright pink suitcase.

“So who wants to help me pack?”

~~<3~~

Chloe, Kagami, Luka and Marinette were all sitting at a table at a café during their lunch break. Luka had graduated already, so he was usually free to hang out. Chloe had come up to Marinette not too long after Lila’s takeover with an apology. Marinette had been wary at first, but Chloe was actually really nice when she wasn’t putting up an act. She had soon proven herself and had been given another chance at being a hero, under the new name Honeybee. Kagami had approached her after Adrien had asked for advice on the Lila situation. She had hated his passive approach, and when she had tried to talk to him about it, he just refused her help, ignoring the fact that he had asked for her help. Kagami had come to offer her help, and they become friends soon after. She had re-claimed the dragon, under the new name Tempête. Luka had heard Lila’s heart song and immediately knew that was someone that he didn’t want to hang around. He had tried warning Juleka and the rest of Kitty Section, but Lila had told them that having an older singer wasn’t a good look. He had been kicked out, and Marinette had been there to comfort him with pastries and musicals. After she had introduced everyone to each other, they had become a tightly knit group. So, as one could imagine, they weren’t taking this well.

“They gave you a week? That’s ridiculous, utterly ridiculous!”

Kagami made a noise of displeasure as well.

“Sending you to America seems a bit extreme, what reason did they give again?”

Marinette scoffed.

“My ‘recent behaviour’ or something like that. Also known as, Lila. Oh, that’s not even the best part.”

Marinette gave out a dry chuckle and everyone looked on in interest.

“Apparently, I’m working with Hawkmoth.”

Luka plucked a string on his guitar, sending out a loud note. Chloe just stared in disbelief, and Kagami made for her foil.

“I’m going to run them through with my sword.”

Kagami gripped it tightly, ready to get up and make good on her threat, but Marinette grabbed it from her, unbothered by the fencer’s unimpressed glare.

“No-one is stabbing anyone. I don’t really have a choice, so I just have to suck it up and deal with it. Besides, it could be good to get away from Lila.”

Chloe was the first to get up to give her a hug, followed by Luka, and then by Kagami, who Marinette wasn’t completely sure that she wasn’t just trying to get her sword back.

“It’ll be ok guys, we can still video chat through Skype or something. I won’t be able to text, because I’ll be on an American phone plan, but we can figure something out!”

Chloe pulled away and took out her phone, tapping away immediately.

“I’m going to get you an amazing phone plan, with unlimited overseas. Same for the rest of you. That way, we can all talk and not worry about the fact that there’ll be an ocean dividing us.”

Marinette slowly took the phone and added it to her slowly growing pile, pointedly ignoring the glare Chloe shot her.

“I’m sure there are other, free, ways to contact each other. I think there’s an online service, what’s the name in English? Chaos or something like that?”

Luka strummed at his guitar in thought before pulling up an app on his phone.

“Is this the one you were thinking of?”

He had opened Discord, in dark mode of course, and had his profile open.

“Yeah, that’s the one! We can talk on there, and it has the bonus of being accessible from computers! So, no reason to go overboard, ok Chloe?”

Chloe humped and opened up the app store, downloading Discord. Kagami noticed what she was doing and mirrored her. They all took a few minutes to make accounts and become friends, before Luka, the one with the most experience, had set up a server for them all. Quickly choosing nicknames, Marinette pocketed her phone with a grin.

“Now that that’s done, anyone want to come help me pick some things to take?”

~~<3~~

It felt like the week passed quickly, lessons passing by in a blur. She didn’t pay much attention, just enough to keep Mrs Bustier satisfied. She didn’t bother alerting anyone in the class (outside of Chloe) that she was leaving, ignoring their taunts and insults. Chloe and Kagami had been big helps in learning how to ignore them, so now they rolled off her like water on a duck. She made sure not to bring anything valuable, most of her stuff was in a suitcase anyway. On her final day, she only had her schoolbooks, the school assigned tablet, and three neatly wrapped gifts. As she was packing up to go meet her friends for a final goodbye, she was stopped by Alya.

“I need you to make a dress for the upcoming school dance.”

Marinette briefly noted that this was a demand, rather than a request, but she just started her usual commission speech with a sigh.

“Depending on the materials used and the time it takes to make, the dress could cost anywhere from €300 to €500. There will also be shipping costs, plus the fact I’m not taking commissions right now, so it will probably be a few weeks before I might be able to get started on it.”

Alya was staring at Marinette like she had grown another head.

“€300, what are you talking about? I’m not paying youfor a dress, and you make mine every year, so what’s the problem? I can’t wait a few weeks, the dance is next weekend!”

Marinette sighed and pushed past the taller girl.

“The problem is that I don’t have time, materials are expensive, and I made you those dresses when we were friends. But we’re not now. So, leave me alone. Goodbye Alya.”

She walked out to meet her friends, leaving Alya behind, too stunned to talk. When she snapped out of it, she grumbled to herself.

“She’ll see reason on Monday. She has no right to refuse after all she’s done to Lila! Maybe if she makes Lila’s dress too, she’ll forgive her! Lila’s nice like that, Marinette will come around after making up for everything she’s done!”

Alya walked away, satisfied, planning her new dress in her mind.

Marinette ran up to her friends, engulfing them in hugs. They all hugged right back, sad to see her go. Marinette suddenly pulled away from the hug, and grabbed three parcels out of her bag. She handed them all out, urging them to open them. Luka opened his first, finding a beanie that perfectly matched his hair, with a teal snake pattern around the rim. Chloe went next, her patience not holding any longer. She got a headband with tiny bees embroidered all along it. Kagami received a red handkerchief, with an elemental dragon on one side, and a storm cloud on the other, a lightning strike going all the way across. They all started to thank her at once, with Marinette just blushing sheepishly.

“I just took note of all your favourite heroes, and added them to a design. It’s not that big of a deal.”

They all hugged again, before the clock chimed behind them, making Marinette jump.

“I have to go! I’ll send you all a message when I land, but you better not stay up for it if it’s late here!”

A chorus of “No promises!” filled her ears as she ran home, taking in the sights one more time. She burst into the bakery to find her mum still working the counter, and her dad busy baking. Not thinking much of it, she went up to her room to grab her belongings. After some quick cuddles from the kwami, she had everything she needed. Most flew into the suitcase, comfy in the hidden area Marinette had made, lined with a soft faux fur. Only Tikki and Kaalki flew into her jacket, ready to transform if need be. They had assured her they wouldn’t show up on the x-ray, so she was fine with having them in there. As she lifted her suitcase and went downstairs, her strength from being Ladybug shining through, she was surprised to see her parents still busy at work.

“Maman, Papa, I thought we were going to the airport now?”

Her parent’s exchanged looks before Tom stopped his baking and walked over.

“Honey, we can’t afford to come with you, we need to keep the bakery open. There’s an Uber outside for you, but you’ll have to go on your own. I’m sorry.”

He pulled her into a hug, one she half-heartedly returned. She walked over to hug her mum as well, and went outside with her suitcase.

This was it.

She was really being sent away.

All because of some dumb liar.

With a comforting press coming from inside her jacket, she got in the Uber, prepared to start her new life.

#miraculous ladybug #miraculous marinette #marinette dupen chang #miraculous au #miraculous fandom #miraculoustalesofladybugandcatnoir #ml salt fic #superfamily #supergirl #arrowverse #kelly olsen #alex danvers #lila bashing #lila salt #class salt #alya+salt #chloe sugar

536 notes · View notes

mwolf0epsilon · 4 years

Text

First off, before everyone comes after my butt with their "No Fun Allowed" and "Cringe" signs, this is in no way something to be taken as gospel or insightful. It's not a prophetic enforcement of canon. It's literally a theory done for fun, and to try to piece the Bendy Crack up Comics into the general and messy lore of the BatIM franchise.

Most of you get this and don't need a big wordy warning about fanon interpretation, but a lot of peculiar people tend to show up in my ask box hoping to start a fuss over my headcanons and AU ideas, so I thought to be nice and leave a polite and diplomatic "Kindly Fuck Off" sign at the door for them.

With that said, there will be mild spoilers, carry on of your own volition, down below under the cut that will definitely show up because Tumblr mobile is a functional app that's never given me trouble!!!

---

[[MORE]]

The Bendy Franchise has an established issue with cohesion in its lore. We all know what I'm talking about, we all have reservations about canonical character discrepancies (game vs novel vs guidebook) and we all have been racking our brains with a few holes in the timeline, as well as how BatDR (which is neither prequel nor sequel) will fit into this, since it's connected to BatDS and that's an established prequel to BatIM.

Granted I myself am missing a lot of pieces, having to scrounge around for info since I can't really get any of the reading material myself and rely heavily on @british-hero (who owns the novel plus got her copy of the comics yesterday), a very incomplete wikie, and analysis and theories from SuperHorrorBro's Bendy videos.

Heck, I also rely on a lot of gameplay footage, because BatIM has a bit of subtle storytelling through visual design of its levels, and hints of how certain characters work through a few game mechanics.

Through this mishmash of collecting puzzle pieces for the greater picture I even have a few notes on my phone to piece together certain events in established dates, something which comes very in handy for this theory since it talks about two particular characters, the Projectionist and Brute Boris (and I guess Twisted Alice to some extent but it's more of a note on some interesting thoughts I have of her).

Without further ado, here's what this theory is all about: Why did Norman become the Projectionist, and why did Twisted Alice turn Buddy Boris into Brute Boris?

If you think about it, there's only two creatures in the studio that really seem out of place in the world of BatIM, and that's Prophet Sammy and the Projectionist. Neither are inherently similar to any of the cartoon characters, nor are they considered to be Lost Ones. They're certainly not Searchers, but while we know Sammy is unique because his method of transformation was different, we never got an explanation for Norman's. It could be that it's a process similar to BatDR's new enemy type that's larger and seems to have bits and bobs stuck to it, but then those big guys seem like the equivalent to Swollen Searchers for the Lost Ones. The Projectionist doesn't really fit the puzzle.

Or at least he didn't.

With the introduction of the Crack up Comics collection, we get three new characters that were definitely designed in the same manner that the Butcher Gang was. Beginning with a corrupt monster forms and then giving way to perfect and pristine rubberhose toon forms.

I'm talking about Miss Twisted, the Brute, and Cameraman.

The villainous trio from the Souper Boris comic strip.

To us it's obvious the artists created them in parallel to Twisted Alice, Brute Boris and the Projectionist, but to the actual canon this actually has a bit of an impact on the Projectionist's existence.

Why, you ask? Because those characters were introduced between 1936 and 1940.

Bendy Crack up Comics table of contents, showcasing the publishing dates of the strips.

For anyone who doesn't know (either from not paying attention to the Joey Drew Studios channel audio logs, or from not owning the books) the Ink Machine wasn't conceptualized or installed until 1942/1943. Putting that into perspective, the only other thing that happened in Joey Drew Studios in 1940, was the conceptualization of Bendyland (which is likely the origin of the idea for the Ink Machine itself).

This means that Cameraman existed well before the Projectionist ever came to be, and that made me think about another thing: The Ink's apparent sentience.

I'll be frank, the Ink is very hard nut to crack. I consider it a form of alchemized entity, others consider it pure black magic, and I'm pretty sure Joey Drew himself had no idea what he was dealing with when he began using it. The fact of the matter is that the Ink is alive and that it has its own agenda. One that coincides with Joey's, out of mutual interest.

In the novels it seems to want to be free, but it can't exactly do that as a formless liquid, so it tries to body-snatch people (ex: Sammy and Buddy's grandpa).

When Joey tries to use it to give life to Bendy through nothing more than using the Ink and a template (likely a character model sheet) the Ink tries to follow the model but immediately becomes a distorted humanoid version of it (which honestly rings so many fucking alarm bells on its own). Things… Escalate there on out, with Joey trying to perfect the method and only managing to succeed through Daniel Lewek (and many other nameless Boris Clones), Allison Pendle and Thomas Connor.

An important thing to take from this, however, is that by trying to perfect this method Joey not only taught the Ink to reshape things into viable referenced material, but that he had to have lost control of just how many souls were being pumped through the Ink Machine for him to monitor and keep up.

Sammy started killing people when he completely turned, and it didn't seem to take long for him to cut down people in likely both the music and art departments. At this point he had no self-restraint and was completely wrapped around inky fingers and Joey's lies.

Norman is one such potential victim, and Dot and Buddy even passed by his ink-wrapped body while fleeing.

Now, the thing about trying to follow a specific guide and not having the actual means to make it exactly the same thing, is an easy enough notion to get (as shows like "Nailed It", and years of trying to perfect visual style mimicry, have taught me).

The Ink likely had the template it needed (maybe a printed copy of Souper Boris that got thrown around in the chaos), the insight of what Norman's role in the studio was, the amount of mass it needed to consume and transform his dead body, but not exactly the right sort of… Centerpiece for it...

Cameraman using his lens to light up his path.

But what's a projector besides a bigger fancier camera? Both blink, both take film, same thing right? The ink doesn't see the difference and just stitches together this humanoid bootleg cameraman with the pieces it finds that are similar enough.

Mechanical blinky head? Check.

Strange round disc near the belly? There's a speaker. That's round! Check.

Film? There we go, a nice big round reel full of film in it, let's put it near the head, that's how it works right? Check.

Lastly, no Joey to actually direct this artistic recreation of a one-off character. The Ink did it all by itself while he was off getting his hand broken by a rightfully upset Buddy Boris.

If you look at it objectively it makes sense that being the projectionist tasked with not only recording and maintaining the projectors themselves, that the entity in the Ink would pick Cameraman as a template for Norman's transformed self.

It also makes sense that the Projectionist is so off-putting in the studio. He's almost perfect, but not quite because there just weren't the right materials. He's stuck in between Twisted Alice and the Butcher Gang clones as another failed recreation.

Moving on to the next question on why Twisted Alice turn Buddy Boris into Brute Boris, when she hadn't done the same to any of the other Boris Clones.

It's hard to say really, but I think it all comes down to who Twisted Alice really is. It's very likely that, as Susie Campbell, she would have knowledge of the comic strips. A few were most likely made into cartoon shorts even (which isn't an unusual assumption to make), and maybe Susie voiced a few background characters for said shorts.

Susie may have lost her role as Alice, but before Joey came to her with his proposition for the "special project" it's very likely that she remained in the studio, forced to do the voices of characters that weren't noteworthy or that she felt completely disconnected from (talking chairs and singing hens really don't become beloved fan-favourites) . Maybe if the Souper Boris story was made into a short, she might have voiced Miss Twisted (which honestly would be personally insulting considering she once had the role of the main heroine).

Point is, Susie knows her lore, and that translates to Twisted Alice's repertoire of insightful knowledge on the abominations lurking around the studio.

She never did turn other Boris clones into brutish lackeys because at the time she didn't need to. But it doesn't mean she hadn't considered it. Henry's disruptive behaviour is just what she needed to put that plan into motion.

There was already a "Cameraman" walking about, one that could easily rip apart anything it came across, so acquiring the means to recreate the "Brute" would have been benefiting from her point of view. The Projectionist doesn't take orders and can't be reasoned with, so if she could make something just as strong that took her orders she could, theoretically, be safe from most terrors in the studio. If that didn't work, she would still likely send others to their death by simply sending them down to Level 14, or maybe lure the Projectionist to them herself (just because he doesn't take orders doesn't mean she can't use him to achieve her end goals).

Miss Twisted, the Brute and Cameraman in their evil swamp lair.

But why Buddy Boris specifically? Why couldn't she have used any of the bodies laying around? Freshness most likely. Rigor mortis is probably still a thing, even for living cartoons. Easier to work a fresh dead body than a bunch of stiff wolves.

That's at least why I think Brute Boris is a thing. Susie's knowledge of most Bendy cartoon/comic strip characters, taking inspiration from the Projectionist's presence, and honestly a very twisted sense of humor and irony. In her quest to become a Perfect Alice, the heroine of the show, she ended up becoming just as antagonistic (although more sadistic) as Miss Twisted, a Bendy comic strip villainess.

#bendy and the ink machine #batim #bendy crack up comics #bendy spoilers #spoilers #theory #headcanons #speculation #twisted alice #the projectionist #brute boris #long post

99 notes · View notes

cowboyshit · 3 years

Text

Only for the Holidays (pt 3)

Ship: Adam “Hangman” Page and Ivy (OFC) Summary: Adam and Ivy cross paths at a mutual friend’s holiday party and hit it off, both admitting they’ve grown tired of constantly being asked about having a partner at the various holiday events they have to attend. They come to an agreement to pretend to date for the holidays to get their friends and family off their backs, but neither of them admit that they’ve had an attraction to each other from the beginning. Will these feelings come to a head? Or will the pair be able to stick to their original plan and only get through the holidays together? Rating: general/fluff Length: 5,484 words part THREE of THREE (part one, part two), the fic can also be read in it’s entirety on ao3 (here)

author’s note: and alas! the final installment of this little fake-dating series I wrote for viv’s @12daysofchristmas challenge! I hope you guys enjoy the finale to this sweet little story, it was nice to write something so warm and fluffy for the holidays even if I was writing it all by the seat of my pants and didn’t have anything planned LOL

Ivy’s phone chimed, indicating a new text message had come through. Pausing in wrapping the last of the gifts she had left, she leaned over and grabbed it to look at the screen. There was a new text message from Adam. A smile immediately turned the corners of her mouth and she quickly opened their text conversation.

How’s your voice doing?

She laughed and immediately tapped out a reply. Better. I actually have one today!

She had lost her voice while screaming at the live Dynamite show his friends invited her to a couple days ago. She’d never been one of the kids who watched wrestling growing up and knew only vaguely what it was about, but she’d had an even better time than she expected. The show they’d put on was fast and full of stunts and surprises Ivy would have never expected. They’d also been absolutely right about it being fun to watch ringside, though she’d had to fight through nerves any time the camera men pointed those large cameras her way. She’d screamed so much by the time she woke up the next morning she’d all but lost her voice.

Watching Adam perform in the ring had been something else entirely. The things he was able to do astonished her. He had to explain what all the moves were called after the match as she excitedly babbled backstage, but he’d seemed like he was glowing when he had. Her favorite had been the “flippy thing he did in the middle” (the shooting star press) and the “flippy thing he did off the pole” (the moonsault off the ring post). She liked the way his blond curls fluffed out and floated, catching the white lights that lit the ring as he maintained control and soared through the air. The athleticism and strength he possessed was amazing. She remembered her delighted surprise when he caught his opponent mid-leap, carried him to the center of the ring, tossed him over and popped up in a smooth kip up that had her eyes gone wide. She’d seen his muscles when she caught herself admiring him, but she hadn’t realized just how strong he was.

Her phone chimed again and distracted her from daydreaming about watching him shirtless and sweaty, getting riled up in the ring. She felt suddenly warm and blushed, looking down at his message.

What are you up to tonight?

They’d been doing this a lot lately. Just texting idly throughout their days, even though her family party wasn’t until tomorrow night. It had started with her asking questions about what to wear to a wrestling show and him giving her details for where she’d need to go, but they always sort of fell into carrying the conversation beyond that. He was just… easy to talk to.

Easy on the eyes, too.

Ivy shook her head at herself and sent him a reply. Wrapping up the last of the gifts to take over tomorrow night.

Oh shoot, was I supposed to get something for your mom?

Ivy couldn’t help but smile. You’re a brand new “boyfriend” she’s never met before, remember? She doesn’t even know about your existence, you don’t have to get her anything. Besides, the family does a big gift exchange cause there’s too many people to individually buy for, and you and I have a joint gift I already bought.

What did we get for the gift exchange? Another quick reply. The notifications were popping up that he read her message as soon as she sent it, which meant he had their conversation actively open.

Ivy opened her camera app and snapped a picture of the still-to-be-wrapped box set full of all the tools necessary to make delicious hot cocoa, as well as peppermint bark, a little bottle of peppermint schnapps and one of chocolate liqueur. She sent the picture to him and typed: A giftset to make spiked hot cocoa!

What are the rules on getting your own gift in the gift exchange? That sounds good. Never spiked my cocoa with peppermint before.

Ivy’s fingers jumped quick to type her message: Really? I don’t do it often since I just like cocoa by itself, but it’s pretty tasty! I’ll have to make it for you some time. She clicked send before reading it back over, then looked at the message and felt her eyes go wide. She should make it for him sometime? When? When they were at her family’s big gettogether, pretending to date so her family wouldn’t make her feel bad for being single? Or when they supposedly “broke up” a few weeks later?

His reply didn’t come back as immediately as the others did. Worry twisted in her stomach.

That would be nice, I’d like that. His reply chimed back. He was just being polite, obviously. She sent a little smiling emoji in reply and closed their conversation, setting her phone aside as she decided to distract herself by finishing wrapping up gifts. After, she could pick what she’d be wearing tomorrow night to the party. Of course she’d been silly to think she could avoid catching some sort of feelings, even a passing infatuation for a cute, sweet, blond-haired cowboy. He clearly hadn’t (she remembered his playful promise that they wouldn’t fall for each other) and she wasn’t going to make him uncomfortable by pursuing something he clearly didn’t feel.

When her phone stayed dark and no further messages came through to carry on their conversation, Ivy knew she was right.

**********

He’d already been nervous the whole day leading up to when he was going to pick Ivy up at her place, but seeing her coming out of the house in her pretty red holiday dress made his mouth go dry. He was a step behind climbing out of the cab to go around and pop the door open for her like a gentleman ought to, too caught up with staring at her walk down the steps of her porch. His fingers curled around the handle as she waited by the passenger side of his truck, rocking a little in her heels. Her smile picked up as she thanked him for opening her door. Adam smiled, but still had to look away from her for a moment.

She was so damn pretty… but it wasn’t just physical. Something had changed for him that night she came out to see him wrestle. He’d felt different in the ring. More energized. He hadn’t been able to stop grinning as he watched her excitedly talk about everything she’d liked afterwards. He’d asked her question after question just to keep her talking. Adam made her tell him everything she liked and didn’t like about the entire night and had laughed as he explained what the different lingo meant. They’d ordered late night food to Daily’s Place and stayed up talking with each other and sometimes with the other wrestlers who were still lingering about.

The next morning he woke up and he missed her. None of this was fake, not any more. Not for him, anyways. Her promise to make him spiked hot cocoa sometime had sat on his mind all night, and it popped up again as he climbed back into the cab and pulled away from the curb. Was it a joke he wasn’t supposed to look too far into? Was she just being nice? Or was that her way of telling him she thought they should keep seeing one another?

This night, her family’s party, was meant to be the last time they were technically together. Every minute that ticked by was one more they wouldn’t have… unless she liked him the way he liked her. Adam just needed to find the right time to ask her. Maybe he’d wait until after the party, he thought, glancing over at her and smiling as she checked her lipstick in the visor mirror. Yeah, that sounded fair. They’d have a good time tonight and in a week or so, he’d reach out and see how she was and find some way to bring it up, even if every time he thought about how much he liked her he got butterflies in his stomach and felt like his tongue swelled up.

She gave him the last of the directions and he slowed his truck as they pulled up to a country home set on at least a good acre of land. The large two-story home was glowing warm out its many windows and was strung up in pretty, twinkling lights. When he parked, he noticed just how many cars were around them.

“Your family really doesn’t mess around, huh?” She’d warned him that her family went all out for the holidays, all the generations rotating households for hosting each year. This year just so happened to be the year her parents were hosting.

“They really don’t,” she said with a laugh as they walked side-by-side up the walkway leading to the porch. Automatic, Adam’s hand reached and curled around hers. She slid her eyes toward him and then smiled and looked at all the cars they were passing, starting to mutter to herself who all had already showed up.

“These are all your relatives?” Adam wasn’t unfamiliar with big family gatherings - his entire upbringing had been Sunday lunches at his grandma’s with all the family in attendance - but he hadn’t anticipated this many people.

“Yeah,” she laughed. “Grandma and Grandpa had eleven kids and each of those kids has gotten married and has kids and every one of their kids except for one have had their own kids. Hell, there’s even a new great-grandbaby this year.”

“Wow,” Adam laughed and shook his head, walking up the porch steps and feeling his nerves rise inside.

“The only one who hasn’t had grandkids?” She asked as they stopped in front of the door, her brow arching. “My mom. Because I haven’t had any, and neither has my brother. So… just be ready in case she decides the first time meeting you is the right moment to start slipping baby name ideas to you.”

Adam chuckled. “Thank you for the warning.”

“Alright, brace yourself.” She smiled and turned the knob to open the large wood door with its pretty glass-front window design.

Immediately there was warmth and laughter and underneath the mix of chatter was the soft sounds of low-volume classic Christmas music. String lights hung around the home offered lovely soft yellow lighting, with red ribbons and garland all around. It was beautiful enough to be seen on television, or so Adam thought. As he looked around the living area he tried to picture it without the holiday decorations, the home Ivy grew up in. What kind of kid had she been? Was she bold and adventurous or careful and shy? He looked over at her profile and realized their hands were still clasped.

The nearest people greeted Ivy as she passed and she only took her hand from his to give hugs, catching up with quick questions of how everyone was doing and introducing Adam as they went. By the time he met the sixth or seventh person he realized he was already getting names mixed up. Adam cursed himself and glanced back from where they’d came, squinting as he looked at the faces he’d seen and trying to remember what had been said when they’d been introduced to him not even a minute ago.

“There you are sweetheart! Come here!” A jovial looking woman, short with round hips and waves of gold-blond hair came toward Ivy with open arms. She grabbed her up in a hug and squeezed her tight, even though Ivy groaned.

“Mom! You act like you haven’t seen me in years!” She complained.

“Oh like your mom can’t shower you in love every time you see her.” Her mother shook her head as she pulled away, only then seeming to notice Adam. Her eyes went wide. “Who’s this?” She looked back at Ivy for an explanation.

“My name’s Adam, ma’am.” Adam knew when and how to lay on the charm and he’d promised Ivy he’d be the perfect so-called boyfriend to keep her mother off her back. He extended a hand for a polite shake.

“Mom, this is my…” Ivy and Adam’s eyes met. Her expression softened. “My boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend?” Her mom echoed, still holding on to Adam’s hand as she looked from her daughter back to him. “Well! Has he met everyone yet? Did you get him something to drink? What do you want sweetheart? We have eggnog, homemade!” And, still holding on to his hand, Ivy’s mom started to drag him away, ignoring Ivy’s protests that she was introducing him slowly to the family and they’d make their way to the kitchen eventually.

Ivy hadn’t been kidding when she said her family - and her mother - could be a little overwhelming. Although rather than leaving him anxious and strung tight, it was that good kind of overwhelming that instead had him dizzy with warmth and love. Adam was dragged around the house, introduced to everyone he hadn’t met yet (and even those he had) as Ivy followed and kept trying to get her mother to relinquish her hold on him in between apologizing for her mother’s behavior. Truthfully, Adam was struggling to hold back a smile. She was cute, concerned and fussing over him like that, putting those big, pleading eyes on his as she begged him to just hold out a little bit longer.

Finally their trip rounded them back in a circle where her mother was beckoned from the kitchen to help set up more snack trays. Adam and Ivy were left alone (relatively, of course, he noticed there were people grouped throughout the living area) and as they met one another’s eyes he widened his and exhaled an exhausted breath.

“Wow.”

“I know!” Her brows dipped inward, creating little wrinkle lines on her forehead. She reached out and put a hand on his forearm and he felt the muscle tense, electricity up his skin from her touch. “I’m so sorry Adam. I told you she’s relentless and was going to want everyone to meet my boyfriend.”

“If I’m bein’ honest, I felt like a well-bred stud being marched around and shown off.”

“Oh my god!” Ivy snickered and then groaned. Her hand slipped off his arm and he wished he could reach out and put a hand on her hip just to keep them touching. “It was exactly like that. Once she knew you were on t.v. it was all over.” She shook her head, sighing. “I’m sorry, your friends weren’t nearly as much as my mom has been. And this is only the first half hour of the night.”

Adam laughed and as cute as she was worried over him, he decided he’d calm those fears of hers. He started to lift his hand, wanting to push his palm against her cheek and gently hold her face, then remembered himself and let it drop to his side. He cleared his throat and shrugged.

“Nah, I honestly don’t mind it at all. It’s done wonders for my confidence.” His grin stretched playfully into his bearded cheeks.

“You’re a saint,” Ivy laughed and he was happy to see she was happy.

“What about you?” He asked, “I know we’ve only been here a little bit but is it helping?” He hoped it was.

“It is!” She said without hesitation. “That whole time my mom was dragging you around to show you off would have been spent with her reliving my exes to me, asking me where they’re at now, or telling me about women she knows who have single sons my age, or this cute young man my age she met at the grocery store and struck up a conversation with and got his number for me.”

Adam blew another breath out of his mouth. “I’m glad I can help.” But a frown worked its way across his brow. Ivy was a smart, successful, capable woman all on her own. It wasn’t fair that her mother only considered her relationship something to discuss and didn’t pay attention to everything else her daughter was. “You okay?” She asked, and he realized she’d been watching him and seen his change in expression.

“Oh, sorry. Yeah.” But she still peered at him and he knew this wasn’t the place to broach a serious topic like that. “When are you going to tell her about the promotion?”

“Honestly I was so busy trying to keep her from smothering you I completely forgot.” She laughed. “I guess I’ll tell her after the gifts are over. Anyways, come on-” she grabbed his hand, tingles again “-let’s go load up our plates with finger foods. It’s the best part of the whole night.”

Adam grinned, following after her as she held his hand, twining his fingers around hers and thinking about how whole he felt.

*********

The entire evening was better than Ivy could have anticipated. She knew it was mostly due to having Adam as her near-constant company, and feeling warmly closer to him than they probably had any right to be. During the gift exchange they’d claimed a spot on one of the couches and like it was natural, Ivy had leaned into him, Adam had lifted his arm and wrapped it snug around her shoulders. They’d shared a little smile then both looked away, staying cuddled up throughout the entirety of the exchange.

It had come to an end as the last gift was opened and she still didn’t move to get up from leaning on Adam’s soft yet somehow firm body. He didn’t try to lift his arm to separate them, either. Their supposedly shared gift sat at their feet in front of the couch, a large fluffy blanket that she’d had to have the moment she felt it and a Starbucks gift card. Absolutely perfect.

Conversation flowed happily around the room. Ivy and Adam were listening as her father retold his favorite Christmas story - the night Ivy was six and they’d had to come to a sudden stop on snowy roads, after the car righted itself there was a little gathering of stags that’d run out of the woods. Ivy had started to cry, worried that they were Santa’s reindeer and had gotten lost, meaning Santa wouldn’t be able to deliver presents that evening.

“I had to sit there and explain all about the differences between reindeer and white-tails and promise her the whole way home that Santa was going to be able to come that night.” Her father was grinning near ear-to-ear as he chuckled.

Ivy rolled her eyes, but smiled. She was tired of hearing the story every year but it was clearly endearing to her father. Adam, hearing it for the first time, had seemed to enjoy listening to it too.

“She was so cute kicking up a fuss like that.” Her father said warmly.

“I’ll bet she was.” Adam said. Ivy glanced quickly up at him only to see his eyes were locked on hers. Her stomach felt as if it erupted in a wild fluttering of butterflies and she swallowed, feeling a little hot in her cheeks. This was more… wasn’t it? They were being more coupley, weren’t they? Even more than they’d been at his company holiday party. Was their being together, their touching and holding hands becoming more natural to him, too? Or was she going crazy, projecting and seeing the things she wanted to see to justify how she felt about him now?

The questions would drive her insane, she needed to change the topic.

Ivy cleared her throat and looked back at her parents. “I’m getting a promotion at work.”

“Are you?” Her mother gasped.

“That’s wonderful sweetheart,” her father praised with a smile. “When did you find out?”

“A few weeks ago,” Ivy smiled, suddenly feeling almost shy with Adam’s proud gaze on her, his hand gently rubbing up and down her arm. The skimming of his fingertips on her skin was almost distracting.

“Why did you wait so long to tell us?!” Her mother admonished. “Sweetheart, that’s amazing! You’ve been working so hard, it’s about time they recognized it.”

“Thank you mom,” Ivy laughed.

“How’s the pay increase?” Her dad asked.

Ivy shook her head. “It’s actually pretty impressive if I’m being honest.” She’d already started to daydream about all the things in her life she was going to invest in and upgrade. “I’ve been working my ass off to get this promotion.”

“Well!” Her mother was beaming and her eyes slid to Adam and back to Ivy, her smile getting a mischievous little twist. Oh no, thought Ivy. “With more money you’d be able to support a child.” She winked as though they shared an inside secret, then gave that same wink to Adam. “I happen to think I’d make the perfect grandmother.”

Ivy’s heart sank, even with Adam at her side, she was still incomplete. She was sure her mother didn’t mean it, but it still stung. Before she could say something wrong and upset her mother or change the subject entirely, Adam was speaking up.

“With all due respect, ma’am, Ivy and I just started dating; we’re a little far off from seeing how compatible we are or if children are even something either of us want.”

“Oh, of course,” her mother looked taken aback. Ivy gaped at Adam and wasn’t sure if she should pinch him or kiss him for speaking up to her mother.

Adam looked at her, seemed to hesitate, then started talking again. “I know you’re proud of your daughter,” he glanced back toward her parents, who were now watching him with slightly guarded expressions, “but when you jump straight to talking about her lack of children or who she’s dating, it makes it seem like that’s all you care about. I know it’s not my place to say, but I also know it bothers her, and she shouldn’t have to feel like she’s anything less than the amazing woman I’ve come to see she is.”

The small group was quiet. Ivy didn’t know what to say or do. Adam had talked calmly, never raising his voice, but he’d effectively checked her mother’s habit to overlook Ivy’s accomplishments. It was a bold move for a real boyfriend, even bolder for a fake one. Or, hell, maybe he figured he wouldn’t be seeing her parents again and was free to stick up for her even under their own house.

The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to grab his face and kiss him. No one had ever stood up for her like that. Still, Ivy worried over her mother’s reaction and looked back at her.

“Do I really do it that often?”

“Mom,” Ivy sighed and glanced down at her hands. She made herself look back up. “Yeah. You do. It’s why I waited so long to tell you about the promotion. I don’t know if you’re doing it on purpose, but it feels like it is. It makes me feel like…” Their voices were low enough the conversation was truly just among the four of them, but Ivy still paused to make sure no family members were listening in that she didn’t want to overhear. “Mom, you just make me feel like I’m not doing enough if I’m not seeing someone or giving you a grandchild.” Emboldened by the honesty coming out, she looked over at Adam and shook her head, realizing how ridiculous the whole thing had been to start with. “I mean, Adam and I aren’t even-”

“Aren’t even that serious yet.” He jumped in, talking over her. Ivy tilted her head, eyes on his. Why didn’t he want her to tell her parents that they weren’t actually dating?

“I’m sorry, baby,” her mother said, and when Ivy looked back saw a sheen of tears in her eyes. “I didn’t realize I’d been so awful about it to you.”

“Mom, no,” Ivy shook her head, shoulders dropping. “Don’t cry. I should have told you how much it bothered me instead of just grinning and bearing it.”

Getting up from the couch, Ivy’s mother stood up too. Immediately Ivy wrapped her arms around her mother and cuddled tight into her as her mother held her, too. “I’m sorry sweetie,” she whispered again in Ivy’s ear, squeezing her a little tighter for a moment before they let go.

“I really am proud of you, you know that? My little Ivy put herself through college, got her dream job, is living independently, and achieving all her dreams. I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am of you! I brag about you all the time. I just, well, I’m your mom. I worry about you being all alone. And yes, maybe I am a bit baby crazy and I’ve started pushing that off on you.” She shook her head. “You can have no kids, have ten kids, marry once, marry never, I don’t care sweetie. I’m always going to be proud of you.”

“Thank you, mom.” Ivy said, now feeling her own tears rising. She reached to wipe at her eyes, careful of her make-up.

“Hey! No crying on Christmas!” A cousin shouted, looking over and seeing her and her mother having their close, emotional talk. Ivy shook her head as laughter rippled around the room.

“It’s not Christmas, it’s December 19th!” Her mother scolded back. “We can cry all we want to.”

“I think I’m good on the crying,” Ivy laughed and looked back at her mom, softening. “Thank you, mom.”

“You don’t have to thank me for coming to my senses.”

“Well, I think it was more like you were forced to come to your senses.” Her father spoke up and slapped his thighs as he lifted off the couch to stand up with them. Adam stood up as well.

Rubbing his hand at the back of his neck, Adam spoke up. “I’m sorry, I know that wasn’t polite of me-”

“You don’t need to apologize.” Her mother hushed him almost immediately. “I was a little shocked at first, but clearly this was something we needed to talk about.” “I think I would have preferred a less crowded house,” Ivy admitted, looking around. Most of the family was still deep in their own conversations, but she had to have imagined some of them had overheard.

“Any man who stands up for my little girl, to her own mother no less, the first time he’s meeting the family… well, that’s a man I definitely approve of for my daughter.” Ivy’s father chuckled and patted Adam on the back. “I like this one, sweetheart. He’s a good one.”

Ivy smiled as their eyes met. “Yeah, he is.”

The party carried on for a couple more hours of happy chatter until one by one the families started to slowly trickle out. Ivy and Adam were the last to leave, helping tidy up around the house despite her mother’s assurance they shouldn’t bother themselves by cleaning. It really wasn’t a bother. Ivy thought of it as a sort of sweet domesticity, picking up plates and putting leftover food away, cleaning up trash and righting the house again side-by-side with Adam. She kept sneaking glances over at him as he smiled back at her; a few times they’d reached for the same things and brushed their hands against each other. Their touches continued to linger a little longer and a little longer each time, her cheeks warm as their eyes held contact. By the end her gaze kept finding its way to his lips; she just couldn’t help herself. She couldn’t stop wondering what’d be like to kiss him.

Adam sucked in a breath as they stepped back, having finished putting the last of the food up. “I guess we should get on home?” He asked.

It was rather late, though Ivy felt hesitation she knew was due to this being their possible last moments together. If she said yes, they would walk out of the door, get in his truck, he would drive her home and drop her off and they supposedly would never see one another again. Or, well, they’d maybe see one another, but nothing like this. Nothing like tonight had been. Nothing like the past few weeks had been.

“Yeah,” she said, trying not to let any regret seep into her tone. “We probably should.”

They went to say their goodbyes to her parents, gathering their gift and the leftovers her mother pushed off on her before they finally stepped out of the house. Ivy exhaled into the cool late-night winter air as Adam closed the front door and they stood on the porch.

“Thank you,” she said, not yet descending the steps to go to his truck.

“For?” He frowned, tilting his head as he looked down at her.

“For... standing up for me? For being...you? I don’t know. I just had such a good time tonight I feel like I need to thank you.”

“You don’t need to thank me, darlin’.” He smiled. “I had just as good a time tonight as you, promise. Although, I do still feel like I should apologize. That wasn’t my place to talk to your mom like that.”

“Adam, it’s okay. I was a little taken aback but, honestly like my mom said, that conversation needed to happen.”

“I’m glad you’re not mad at me,” he said, his voice a little hushed. They were still lingering on the porch. Ivy felt like she could stand there all night in spite of the chill, but knew they shouldn’t. She took one last longing glance at his lips and smiled. “I doubt I could ever really be mad at you.”

Maybe little things, tiny annoyances on nerve-frazzled days or the common day-to-day things you argue and work through and overcome to come back stronger than ever. Nothing that would ever make her really resent him, though. She could tell herself until she was blue in the face they’d only been talking a month and she probably didn’t know him as well as she thought she did, but something was telling her everything with Adam would just make sense.

She honestly never felt like this with anyone before. How could she feel so connected to him when they were still essentially strangers? When they hadn’t even really been dating to begin with?

“Come on,” she turned away, the gift bag and tote bag of leftover goodies in tow. “We should probably get off my parent’s porch.”

“Wait,” he said as she turned to walk away, “we almost forgot...”

“Forgot what?” Ivy looked back at him and saw he’d taken a step to close their distance. She had to tilt her head to look up into his eyes where she saw he was holding a little piece of garland.

“It’s tradition to kiss under mistletoe.” He said.

“Adam…” It was hard to keep herself from giggling. The grin spread and pushed up into her cheeks. “That’s not mistletoe, that’s a piece of fake pine-needle garland I think you stole from my mom’s house.”

“Tomato, tom-ah-to. Maybe I just wanted an excuse to do this...” He leaned down, brushing his lips softly against hers.

Immediately she warmed to his touch, melting against the contact. He took the invitation to sink deeper into their kiss. His hand dropped and found its place on her hip, pulling her tighter against him. The garland had been dropped to the ground, happily forgotten as he ran his tongue between the split of her lips and then sank inside her mouth as she opened with invitation.

The bags fell with a rustle and a thump by her feet and her arms came up quickly around his shoulders, wrapping tightly and pulling him down on her. Their heads moved, matching the shape of their lips better. His fingers squeezed into her hips, the passion mounting further and further the longer their lips touched and tongues stroked.

They broke apart, chests rising and falling quick as they exhaled large, foggy white breaths in the small space between them. All Ivy could taste was him. She felt deliriously dizzy.

“I have been wanting to do that for a long damn time,” he admitted.

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“I think I broke our rule,” she confessed. They were still holding each other, going nowhere but lost in one another’s eyes.

“Our rule?”

“We weren’t supposed to fall for each other, remember? I’m afraid I might be falling, cowboy.”

A warm smile melted across his face.

“I think I’ve already beat you there.” He bent and, just before his lips touched hers, exhaled his promise across her mouth, “I’ll be ready to catch you, darlin’.”

#fanfiction #aew fanfiction #hangman adam page fanfiction #hangman page fanfiction #adam page fanfiction #hangman adam page #adam page #hangman page #aew #all elite wrestling #mine: fanfiction #my fics: hangman adam page #12daysofchristmas #HAHA! i posted it at 10pm im not late and i didn't just spend the last three hours panic writing this to make sure i finished it no sir

20 notes · View notes

rumpledgoldenweaver · 3 years

Text

The Gold Boys

Written for the @a-monthly-rumbelling November prompt “Like Father, Like Son” this is a Storybrooke based AU that has been rattling around in my head for a while. When Rumple stabs Peter Pan he doesn’t die instead he turns back into Malcolm and stays that way. Since Bae/Neal and Henry are in town too, Rumple finds himself with more family than he knows what to do with.

He wasn’t hiding. Not really. Anyone could walk through the door of the shop, the little bell jangling their arrival and find him leaning on the counter. There was a cloth spread out over the glass top, a small bottle of silver polish and a second cloth that he was using to buff up every single piece he could find. Mindless, repetitive work. His spinning wheel stood motionless, he couldn’t face that. Far too many memories of times far too long ago that he didn’t want to think about for now. No, he could retreat back into his Mr Gold persona. Pawnbroker, landlord and loan shark. Mr Gold didn’t need to concern himself with the return of errant fathers, long lost sons, new found grandsons and a girlfriend. Mr Gold didn’t need family and the complications that came with it.

And for as long as he could get away with pretending that suited Rumpelstiltskin just fine.

Neal Cassidy wasn’t hiding either. No Ma’am, he was seated at the counter of Granny’s Diner nursing a cup of coffee in full view of anyone passing by. He opened up the Angry Birds app on his phone, firing pissed off birds at smug looking pigs. You wouldn’t know to look at him that he was the son of the Dark One, father of the boy with the Heart of the Truest Believer (don’t forget the capital letters) and grandson of Peter Pan – Malcolm as he was now known. It sounded ordinary in comparison. But then so did Neal when you stood it next to Balefire.

A pixalated pig exploded when a cartoon piece of timber fell on it’s head, he smiled in satisfaction. Bae would have been fascinated by the game. But Bae wasn’t there. Neal Cassidy was and for now he too could pretend that his real personality didn’t exist.

Malcolm had no choice but to hide. After his disastrous defeat at the hands of his son, being unceremoniously turned back into an adult and finding that blaming his alter ego for everything wasn’t going to work, he’d holed up in a room at the inn called Granny’s – what kind of name for an establishment was that anyway? - and there he had stayed. There wasn’t a cursed or invented persona to provide him with knowledge as to how this land without magic worked. He lay on the bed and sighed. Most of the basics seemed the same, a bed was a bed, a table was a table, water was water. The bathroom had been a revelation. Instead of an iron tub in front of the fire, there was some fancy looking contraption called a shower – it reminded him of a waterfall and a thing called a toilet that he really didn’t trust. What was wrong with a good old fashioned hole in the ground or a nearby tree?

He did know he couldn’t avoid his son forever. Or his grandson. Or his great grandson. People he’d traded away in exchange for eternal youth. If he was very honest he’d admit that it hadn’t all been a barrel of laughs and that he was, very deep down, relieved to be himself again. Malcolm wasn’t given to honesty though.

Henry was beside himself with excitement. He had a father, a grandpa and a great grandpa! None of their stories were fully complete in his book and now a golden opportunity had presented itself for him to find out all the facts. He reckoned his mothers would be fine with him talking to his dad and his grandpa but Peter.. Malcolm.. not so much. Frowning he began tapping his pen on the notebook that lay open on his bed. This was an operation and as such it needed a name. There were so many names involved – Gold, Cassidy, Swan, Mills and whatever Malcolm’s surname was.. Pan? Henry crossed his mothers names off. He knew about them. Staring at the list one name stood out to him above all the others. He smiled.

Operation Gold Boys.

“Henry for the tenth time I am absolutely positive your Grandpa won’t mind you asking him questions. In fact I’m sure it’ll make his day. Talk to him really nicely and he might show you some of the old Dark One razzle dazzle”

Henry snorted a laugh as his dad made a weird looking gesture with his arms

“I’m a little out of practice” Bae pushed open the door to his father’s shop and ushered his own son inside “Hi Papa”

Rumple’s smile could have illuminated the entire town “Hello Bae! Hi Henry. To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure”

“Henry has questions for you. About your life” Bae winced slightly as the same smile froze but carried on anyway “I said you’d be okay with it and that he should talk to Belle too since she knew you after I….left…”

That earned him an eye roll from Henry. Seriously grown ups. Little wonder everyone still clung to their old scores and rivalries. How could anyone move on when they couldn’t even have a simple conversation.

“What Dad means is…”

“It’s okay Henry, I know what he means and no I don’t mind you asking providing that depending on the question I might choose not to answer”

“Deal” grinned Henry pulling a notebook from his coat pocket and setting it down on the counter “Now then…”

Despite his misgivings Rumple answered all of his grandson’s questions, he particularly enjoyed reminiscing about his days back in village with Bae and making his son squirm by regaling tales of his youthful misdeeds. Henry listened in wonderment, his father’s childhood different to his own although he could sympathise completely with having a vilified practitioner of dark magic for a parent.

Some of the memories perhaps should have stayed put, however Henry listened without judgement. It seemed as if it all happened to someone else, Rumple merely the narrator, like reading from a book or interpreting a dream. All a long long time ago, in a place far far away.

Bae stayed quiet for the most part both amazed and amused at how his papa opened up to the young boy. The one he’d been convinced would be his downfall. There were stories that he had never heard before, like the real reason his father had needed a walking staff. It made his heart clench as well as his stomach to think the man had dropped an enormous mallet on his foot and then walked home, branded a coward so that he could be there for the son he’d never even met at that point. The same son he’d taken a dark curse to save from the same battlefields fighting the same enemy. The same son he’d torn realms apart to search for just so he could apologise and tell him he loved him. Me. He did all that for me. Maybe Belle was right. Maybe he wasn’t beyond hope. Bae levelled his gaze at the floor, casually wiping at his eyes.

After they’d gone Rumple retreated into the back room, he gave the spinning wheel a push, it turned a couple of circles before slowing to a stop. He sat down, picked up a bundle of straw and began threading it through the machine, losing himself in the spin of the wheel.

“I could never get that hang of that”

Rumple turned to see his father standing just inside the curtain that divided the back room from the shop.

“You didn’t have the patience”

“Couldn’t sit still for long enough”

“Indeed”

They lapsed into heavy silence that lasted maybe a couple of minutes but seemed more like hours.

It was Malcolm who spoke first

“So laddie, do you have anything decent to drink?”

Rumple paused for a whole minute before getting up from the wheel, going over to his desk, pulling a bottle of single cask whiskey and two glasses from the bottom drawer. Pouring two measures, his own slightly smaller, being tipsy around his father would not be a good idea.

“What do you want Papa?” there was a sarcastic tinge to the last word.

“To spend some time with my son”

Thankfully Rumple’s glass remained safely on the desk because if he’d been holding it he would have either smashed it into his fathers face or dropped on the floor.

“Ha! Well it took you bloody long enough but what’s almost three hundred years between family eh? Now that I’m not such a drain on your time and money you’ve decided to be one on mine is that it?”

“There’s no need for that laddie…”

“My name” Rumple spat “is not laddie. It’s Rumple Bloody Stiltskin, the longest, most ungodly name anyone has ever been saddled with” his eyes blazed making Malcolm take a couple of steps backwards.

“I was angry” he spluttered

“I was a child and you abandoned me”

“I left you with those spinster women. They looked after you. Kept you fed. You turned out alright besides you can’t talk about being abandoned. You did the same to Bae. Like father like son eh laddie”

Suddenly Malcolm felt the air rush from his lungs, his body propelled backwards by an unseen force, slamming into the wall. He tried to protest but forming words was impossible. He clawed at his throat desperately trying to find a breath.

“Don’t you dare” snarled Rumple advancing on the prone figure “Don’t you BLOODY DARE. I am nothing like you. NOTHING. I took the dagger to save my son from a war. You took your curse to avoid your responsibilities. Because you didn’t like being a grown up. BECAUSE YOU DIDN’T WANT ME!!”

“Papa that’s enough” Bae’s voice cut through the room but Rumple didn’t seem to hear him. He laid a hand on his father’s shoulder “I said that’s enough”

Malcolm dropped unceremoniously to floor. Rumple staggered backwards, Bae guided him to a chair “I’m sorry son. I lost my temper. I…”

“Shh. Papa it’s okay. It’s okay”

Malcolm groaned, trying to push himself up “A little help here eh”

Balefire and Rumple exchanged a look. The younger man went to assist his grandfather whilst Rumple tried to get his composure back. He knew he shouldn’t have lashed out, it’s probably the reaction his father was looking for. Always pushing to see how many lines could be crossed. He wiped his hand over his face “I apologise papa. I shouldn’t have done that”

Malcolm looked flustered, that wasn’t what he’d expected, his son was the Dark One and not known for showing remorse. He nodded “No harm done lad…son”

Bae smiled his approval.

“Stay still Papa and I’ll send you home” Rumple made to wave his hand.

“Wait! Can I come and see you tomorrow? I er I have know idea how this world works and I think I need new clothes. The only other person here dressed anything like me is that bloody pirate”

“I suppose we can’t have that now can we” Rumple almost smiled “We’ll organise you something more appropriate in the morning”

Malcolm was engulfed in a cloud of red smoke and disappeared. Bae was still smiling at him “I’m proud of you Pop”

Perhaps Rumple mused in his case it wasn’t like father like son but more a father trying to be more like his son.

Read it on my blog here https://earlyrisingwriting.home.blog/2020/12/02/the-gold-boys/

#a monthly rumbelling #november #gold family fic #papafire

25 notes · View notes

heartofether · 3 years

Text

Bonus Episode #4 - Irene's Inauguration TRANSCRIPT

[You can listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts, or go to our “Listen” page if you’re on desktop.]

AUTOMATED VOICE

Please state your message.

[INTRO MUSIC PLAYS FOR SOME TIME BEFORE FADING OUT.]

[PHONE BEEP.]

[INT. THE BREAK ROOM, MIDDAY, AROUND LUNCH.]

[IRENE IS SITTING DOWN AT THE TABLE, WHILE ADEN IS LEANING OVER HER SHOULDER. THERE ARE VARIOUS OFFICE AMBIANCE NOISES HEARD IN THE BACKGROUND.]

IRENE

I don’t think I need your help setting it up, you know. I’m pretty sure I can figure out how to use an app.

ADEN

Sorry, sorry, I’m just—excited, you know? It feels like you’re about to take a big step, and I get to be the one to watch it happen.

IRENE

[SHE SCOFFS.] As if this is a major life milestone.

ADEN

Hey, I think it is! In a way. You know? It’s not common for someone your age to not be active on social media—

IRENE

Hey.

ADEN

Not that that’s a bad thing! You’re like, joining the masses though. It’s like an inauguration.

IRENE

Yeah, sure. Whatever.

ADEN

And, I’d also like to witness the outcome of my months of pestering you.

IRENE

Hey! I kept saying I was going to—

ADEN

So have you come up with a username yet?

IRENE

Um, not really? I’m guessing just irenegray is taken.

ADEN

Mmmm, probably. If it helps at all, I added a word to my username that I thought sounded nice. Kind of like, something cool and aesthetic, you know?

IRENE

See, that’s part of the problem. You actively have an aesthetic you’re trying to maintain. I’m just kind of, you know. [SHE VAGUELY MOTIONS.]

ADEN

Hey, I think that’s great that you're authentically yourself and you don’t adhere to any restrictive subcultures.

IRENE

If you wanna call it that… honestly though I just hadn’t thought about it. I mean, you know I’m mostly doing this for you, right?

ADEN

Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just pick a word you like and pair it with your name to see if it sounds nice! Maybe, like, an adjective?

IRENE

Hm. [SHE THINKS FOR A MOMENT, THEN] I kind of like the idea of it being something forest-themed.

ADEN

That would be cute! What if you did, like, the name of a tree? [BEAT] Ooh! You could do something like cedarirene, as in red cedars, you like those, right?

IRENE

[THINKING] I kind of like that, they’re pretty… [beat]

ADEN

[HE LAUGHS AT HIS OWN JOKE] Or you could do, like, irenefir, as in Douglas-fir? Those are pretty common in this part of the states.

IRENE

[SHE CHUCKLES, THEN, HUMS IN THOUGHT.] Yeah, I’m not sure I’m going for the Christmas tree route today.

ADEN

Hey, if you end up deciding you don’t like it, you can always change it later.

IRENE

That’s a good point. [BEAT] But I think cedarirene is good.

ADEN

I like it, too.

[A PAUSE AS SHE TYPES.]

ADEN

Then just add your email and password—don’t worry, I’ll look away for this part… [KEEPS TRAILING ON AS AN AFTERTHOUGHT WHILE IRENE TYPES] Even though I’m fairly certain it’s the same login info you use for everything… which you should really work on by the way, you know that really isn’t the most secure—

[MORE PHONE TYPING.]

IRENE

Got it.

ADEN

Then you’re done!

[A BEAT.]

IRENE

What do I do now?

ADEN

Now, you get to customize your profile. You know, add your name, your bio, a profile picture—oh, actually hold on, give me your phone real quick.

IRENE

Why?

ADEN

I want you to follow me! Here, just let me search for my username.

IRENE

[SHE CHUCKLES.] Sure. Go wild.

[ADEN IS HEARD TYPING IN THE BACKGROUND.]

ADEN

…and done. Oh, actually, while I’m here, I should have you follow Carol and Julia. [HE STARTS TYPING THEIR USERNAMES IN.]

IRENE

[IN SHOCK] Carol has Instagram?

ADEN

Uh, yeah.[beat] You seriously don’t understand just how behind you are, do you?

IRENE

[SHE GAPES IN FAUX-OFFENSE] You act like I’m withering away into a pile of dust just for not using social media.

ADEN

[GIGGLING] I’m kidding, Irene! I know lots of reasons why someone may want to go off the grid. I mean, social media can be kind of, er…

IRENE

A cruel and unjust place full of corporate marketing and unattainable standards?

ADEN

Yeah. Also, it can be kind of addicting for some people. So just, I mean I doubt you’ll have that problem since you don’t really seem to care, but just—be careful.

IRENE

Don’t worry, I doubt I’ll even use it that much.

ADEN

You better at least open the app every now and then. I want to send you stuff.

IRENE

[SHE LAUGHS.] I’ll keep notifications on for you, bud… If nothing else.

ADEN

Right, so, back to your profile. I’ll let you do whatever you want for this part. Oh, you should put your pronouns in your bio, though.

IRENE

Got it. [A PAUSE, THEN] Uh, what else should I put?

ADEN

Anything you want, really. Some people like to put their age, their job, sexuality, a fun fact about themselves.

IRENE

I mean, I don’t really want to share my entire personal life with the internet.

ADEN

Then don’t. Just put some totally random fun fact.

IRENE

Hm. Okay.

[A PAUSE AS IRENE TYPES.]

ADEN

Is that… did you actually drink three cups of coffee in less than one hour before?

IRENE

It was finals season.

ADEN

[CONCERNED] I can only drink one cup, and that still makes me shaky. Were you okay?

IRENE

Gonna be totally honest, I don’t remember a damn thing from those twenty-four hours.

[THERE’S A BRIEF PAUSE BEFORE THEY BOTH LAUGH FOR A FEW SECONDS.]

ADEN

[THROUGH FADING LAUGHTER] Okay, okay. Now you just need to set a profile pic.

IRENE

I mean, I don’t really take selfies ever.

ADEN

It doesn’t have to be a photo of your face. Do you have any pets?

IRENE

Not unless my dead betta fish from three years ago counts.

ADEN

Hm, okay. Some people just make it a color they like, or if you just have a nice photo in your camera roll you want to use, you could do that. Some people use characters they like, art pieces, pictures of buildings, yada, yada, yada. Just pick something.

IRENE

Where do you get all of your info about Instagram accounts, anyways?

ADEN

Oh, it was actually my minor in college. “Aesthetically Pleasing Profiles 101.”

[THEY BOTH LAUGH.]

ADEN

I’m joking, of course. It’s just…I don’t know, the internet was kind of a safe space for me for a while? When I first moved to Daughtler, I didn’t have many friends, and my constant state of anxiety was far from helpful. Online, I could be myself and find people with similar interests way easier than I could around town, without ever having to worry about my weird real-life mannerisms that might drive people away.

IRENE

[SINCERE] That makes a lot of sense. It’s good to have support like that. I, uh, probably could have used something like that in college, honestly. I just got kind of used to isolating myself after a while, I guess. [A BEAT.] Though, if it helps at all, I think you’re pretty cool offline, too.

ADEN

Thanks, Irene. [A BEAT.] So, about your profile pic.

IRENE

Do you think Carol would mind if I made it a picture of Mothman?

ADEN

I— [HE GIGGLES.] You know what? I think she’d think it’s cute. Do it.

[IRENE GIGGLES. SHE SETS THE PROFILE PIC.]

ADEN

Welcome to the digital world, Irene Gray.

IRENE

Please, I’m not a grandpa. I know how the internet works.

ADEN

I know, I know. I’m excited to see what you post, though.

IRENE

[THINKING] I honestly hadn’t given it much thought. I guess we’ll find out… if I remember to.

ADEN

Don’t think about it too hard, alright? Just be your authentic self.

IRENE

I’ll certainly try my best.

[PHONE BEEP.]

AUTOMATED VOICE

Today's quote is: "Love is a leash that goes both ways."

Becca De La Rosa in Mabel, Episode 36, 2019.

[OUTRO MUSIC AND CREDITS PLAY.]

#heart of ether transcripts

5 notes · View notes

shadowtarot · 3 years

Text

Persona 5 Strikers Arc 1: Tokyo's Bullying Fasionista!

A Summer get together turns into saving Tokyo from being led down the rabbit hole! ...and who's this strange girl we found?

Okay, full disclosure here: I suck at Muso games. And early game Muso are extremely hard since you don't have a whole lot of buffs. So unless you're excellent at these games, expect to die.

A lot.

There's a few gripes I have with gameplay, mainly in it's...a bit floaty at times. I'm playing the PS4 version, so faster loading than switch. But they never swapped the Circle to X for the localization. So you press Circle to talk to someone but X to advance the text. It's small but it's still a gripe I have.

But now let's get into the story, which most of you probably care more about. Just like the start of the first game, we start with Joker being a distraction for the rest of the party to get something done. Ryuji even mentions the Deja Vu of it all.

Anyway, the big important thing starts when Futaba talks everyone into downloading EMMA, a helper AI. The group uses what EMMA gave them to plan out the start of their vacation which is a Barbecue. Yusuke is expectedly excited.

Ryuji and Ren (+ Morgana) are in charge of getting the meat. But Alice, the fashion icon, is opening a new store filled with her brand. Ren is given one of her cards to add her as a friend on EMMA...and it has a keyword "Wonderland"

Following entry, EMMA states "Beginning Navigation" and we're in the Jail!

People's desires get stolen, the boys get thrown into the trash heap and Joker touches a box.

One Sophia coming up!

I'll say this much, Sophia is a bean. She doesn't understand much and her cute misunderstandings are really sweet.

During the plot you end up doing investigations on Alice's victims and Alice herself, Persona 4 style. Seriously, I wish P5 base game did this more than once. Futaba and Sophia handle the online and everyone else is on foot.

Knowing the layout of the part of Tokyo you're in helps. But again...the game is hard. No access to Tae and Iwai means that you're relying on Sophia's Shop. Which had an introduction that was hilarious. Oh my goodness. The Delivery man is Alejandro Saab, the voice of Yuri Lecurc in Three Houses. And his Delivery on those lines made the whole scene funnier.

I'll skim over the Jail exploration since it being the first Jail, it's littered with Tutorials. But there's sections that need you to protect Futaba as she hacks and she...actually gets her own armor? It's a fun switch up in gameplay.

I'm trying to keep Arsene for the full playthrough because I'm crazy.

But uh, Alice's background is kinda sad. She was a bullied Shujin student that just wanted to be a ray of light for people in her situation. But the EMMA app somehow let her control people she gave her friend thing to...so she soon started to use it to ruin people's lives.

Though this intel wouldn't be known if not from help from Grandpa! Er...I mean Inspector Zenkechi. You get to see him briefly before shit goes down and you already know he's gonna be a likeable guy. Sarcastic, snarky but unlike Akechi he's actually not manipulative.

...well not after he gains the trust of the group anyway.

Speaking of! Oh my God! So in order to confirm they have his full trust, the group takes Zenkenchi into Alice's Jail after it's cleared...and Zenkenchi has a full mental breakdown due to Sophia, Morgana and everything in-between. Hell he even asks the group prior to being brought into the Jail if they needed to be tested for drugs after they explain all of it to try to get him mentally prepared. (Not that explaining actually helped)

But God i love these new characters already.

OFF TO THE NEXT STOP

#Road Tripping Thieves

7 notes · View notes

anistarrose · 4 years

Link

Summary: Angus leads a virtual book club meeting. Kravitz connects the dots. Taako makes significant updates to the list of people he trusts and things he believes.

Characters: Kravitz, Taako, Barry Bluejeans, Angus McDonald, Magnus Burnsides, Merle Highchurch, Noelle | No-3113, The Raven Queen, The Director | Lucretia, misc. BoB cameos, Julia Burnsides, Garyl

Relationships: Taakitz, Angus McDonald & Taako, Barry Bluejeans & Kravitz, Kravitz & Angus McDonald

Bit by bit, we’re inching closer to the endgame! Lots of plot and angst in this update, but also I think I might’ve implied that Minecraft exists in Faerun, so it evens out, y’know?

By virtue of their trance state replacing sleep, elves were supposed to be good lucid dreamers. Taako had always experienced mixed results, but never moreso than tonight, with a dream that started out all saccharine romantic fantasy — fishing with Kravitz and sharing a kiss after falling into the lake together — before a clap of thunder and an unholy scream plunged the world into darkness and left one single source of light, one last surviving star, cradled in Taako’s unassuming hands.

Then a ripple in the darkness, the invisible maw of some ravenous entity, closed around that final star — and Taako screamed, as loud as he could muster yet still not loud enough to drown the ringing in his ears, as he flailed in the dark against the invisible monster that stole the world from him —

At once, two hands closed around his own, one cold and the other warm. On Taako’s left was Kravitz, aghast but holding himself together, a steely composure to his posture despite the fear in his eyes.

On Taako’s right was a Red Robe — but not Barry, and in fact not anything like what Taako had started to accept as normal for Red Robes. Where Barry had a clouded darkness in place of hands and a face, this lich had pure static escaping from within her sleeves and beneath her hood, crackling and constantly changing shape like lightning, or… like fire.

Taako sat up in his bed covered in cold sweat, heart pounding as he realized his legs were hopelessly tangled in his sheets, and only slightly slowing when he realized there was nothing in his bedroom to run from.

Elves were supposed to rarely awaken late, but Taako’s wizard hat-shaped alarm clock — a gift that Angus that he’d quietly appreciated, even though it should have been redundant — indicated that it was mid-morning, and when he trudged out into the common area, he found no sign of his doormates besides a note written in Magnus’s distinctive scrawl.

I know you were busy last night, so we’re letting you sleep in while we go play Fantasy Kickball on the quad! Killian and Avi are team captains and their rivalry is fierce, so we’ll probably be playing all day if you want to join us! Love, Magnus! (And Merle)

Taako didn’t realize how relieved he was until he felt himself let out a sigh.

He had a sinking feeling that the same dream — or at least, a similar dream — had played out more than once that night, looping over and over again as he repeatedly failed to remember, much less control, where it was going. He felt too exhausted to be operating on even a single minute of dreamless sleep, and didn’t even want to think about holding a conversation with anyone…

Well, with most people. There was someone he’d really been meaning to chat with, before he’d been distracted by haircuts and Kravitz and pottery and stargazing and Kravitz.

He transmuted a mug of lukewarm tap water to a piping hot, high-caffeine tea, then picked up his Umbra Staff, and conjured a familiar phantom steed with twin horns that nearly grazed the ceiling as he reared and whinnied.

“Yooo! Mornin’, Taako!”

“Morning, Garyl.” Taako yawned. “Could you do me a favor, and tell me literally anything you know about the liches you said I used to hang out with?”

***

CalebClevelandFan#2045: All early-installment weirdness aside, I really do think it’s a great introduction to the series! Because of the retcons you’ll encounter later, there are some conspiracy theories that the most recent arc of Caleb Cleveland was ghostwritten to maximize the publishing rate (which I think is hogwash, because continuity errors are going to be inevitable no matter who’s writing) but I guess I’ll let you decide for yourself when you get there! Do you need to stop by the moon again to borrow Book 2?

ReaperAwMan#1672: No thank you, Angus! I think I’m going to try and download the “digital” version, now that I know I can do that on my Stone! Taako told me about that feature and a lot of others last night, so if I can’t get it to work, I’ll just call him and ask him to walk me through it. :)

ReaperAwMan: Did I use the smiley face correctly?

CalebClevelandFan: Yes! :) You’ve picked up on technology a lot faster than my grandpa did.

CalebClevelandFan: Did Taako also choose your username on this app, though?

ReaperAwMan: How did you know? Is it a reference to something? :)

CalebClevelandFan: Um

CalebClevelandFan: Yes, but it’s a long story. It’s not mean-spirited or anything, though! I think it’s pretty funny!

ReaperAwMan: Okay! :)

CalebClevelandFan: Is that all for book club today? If it is, Mr. Kravitz, I just want to say that I’d be happy to talk to you again about Caleb Cleveland anytime!

CalebClevelandFan: It means a lot to me, but I understand if you’re too busy (message edited)

ReaperAwMan: Oh, there’s always time for book club, Angus!

ReaperAwMan: But I admit, I have had a lot on my mind…

CalebClevelandFan: Is it the liches? Since the Reclaimers aren’t in trouble anymore? (By the way, I went to tell Noelle she didn’t have to worry about getting reaped, but apparently she’s visiting family, so I left a message with her teammates Carey and Killain..)

ReaperAwMan: Excellent deduction. (And thank you for that. I hope she gets the message soon.)

ReaperAwMan: You’re right, I’m still hunting Lup and Barry Bluejeans, but… I just can’t shake the feeling that they’re connected to Taako and the others.

CalebClevelandFan: Really? What makes you say that?

ReaperAwMan: Well, I didn’t think much of this for a long time, and now I’m kicking myself for it, but their bounties registered in our system at the same time as Taako’s, Magnus’s, and Merle’s. We figured it was just a widespread detection glitch, which has happened before on a much smaller scale, but now it feels awfully suspicious. The Reclaimers have also encountered Barry at least four times now, without even seeking him out the first three times, whereas finding Barry is my job, and I get a lead on him about twice a year, if I’m lucky.

CalebClevelandFan: That is odd. Did any other bounties show up at that same time? Do you know if they have any kind of connections to Barry?

ReaperAwMan: Only two others, for a couple of people named Lucretia and Davenport. They must be living like hermits, because it’s been 12 years and I know as little about them as I do about Lup. Not a lot of leads there, I’m afraid.

(CalebClevelandFan is typing…)

CalebClevelandFan: Hmm. Huh! I wish I could say those names meant something to me, but I’ve never heard them before in my life! Truly unfortunate, that. But, I do suspect that Barry appearing to the Reclaimers is because the Red Robes made the Grand Relics, and it’s the Reclaimers’ job to track those seven relics down!

ReaperAwMan: You mean to tell me that Barold J. Bluejeans made a Grand Relic, and the Reclaimers all knew that information, but didn’t think it would be important to tell me?! This is simultaneously the most and least surprised I’ve been at any point in my afterlife.

CalebClevelandFan: Well, I guess there’s a reason I’m the moon’s resident boy detective and they aren’t, sir!

ReaperAwMan: Wait. Angus.

CalebClevelandFan: Yes?

ReaperAwMan: Seven relics. Seven bounties.

CalebClevelandFan: Sorry, sir, I’m not following. What’s the connection?

ReaperAwMan: I know this is going to sound impossible, but…

ReaperAwMan: Taako is a transmutation wizard. The Philosopher’s Stone can transmute any material into anything else. Merle is a nature cleric, and the Gaia Sash offers control over natural disasters and the wilderness. Then of course, Barry is a lich like no other, and the Animus Bell is the most dangerous necromantic artifact I’ve ever been tasked with monitoring. I don’t know exactly how Magnus fitz into this, or how the other three bounties have managed to hide from me, but…

ReaperAwMan: I think Taako, Merle, and Magnus made three of the Grand Relics!

ReaperAwMan: Angus? Are you still there?

CalebClevelandFan: Sorry, I just rebooted my Stone, but I still can’t read your second-to-last message! It just looks like static, but I was inoculated, so that shouldn’t be possible!

ReaperAwMan: I’m not sure what you mean by “inoculated,” but if the app is glitching, then do you want me to call you?

CalebClevelandFan: It may not be the app, sir. And if it isn’t, I fear a phone call won’t make any difference… but I just got an idea! I’m going to go check if Noelle is back yet — she should be able to help with this. Please bear with me for a few minutes, sir!

ReaperAwMan: Okay, then… good luck!

Head in his hand, Kravitz scrolled back up to the offending message, reading it over once more.

I think Taako, Merle, and Magnus made three of the Grand Relics!

It made sense, but it shouldn’t have. Despite all the questions it answered, it raised more in their place — and Kravitz had been ready to accept that he was wrong, ready for brilliant little Angus to chime in with a piece of evidence that refuted it all...

Except that message, and that message alone, hadn’t made it to Angus in the first place — and wasn’t that the most damning, of all the so-called coincidences aligning before Kravitz’s eyes?

The Reclaimers made Grand Relics and consorted with liches. The Reclaimers can’t remember making Grand Relics or consorting with liches.

Someone is hiding the truth from the Reclaimers, and from Angus. Someone is hiding the truth from the entire Bureau of Balance.

Is it Barry? Does he have that much power? Is he working with someone? With Lup?

Kravitz summoned his scythe with the full intention of warping straight to the moonbase, and bringing his four friends from the Bureau directly back to the Astral Plane — not to take them prisoner, but simply to get them somewhere safe, somewhere to talk without Queen-knows-what outside forces eavesdropping or interfering. Yet before he could open a rift, Kravitz’s vision flashed blue, and a faint yet familiar tug directed his focus towards a much different region of the Material Plane.

A voice echoed in his head, too distorted to identify the speaker, but the words themselves were clear enough:

Kravitz, help!

Kravitz’s Stone of Farspeech clattered onto his desk as he raised his fingers to his temples and closed his eyes, honing in on the location of the summoning arrow. It was surrounded by undead presences of several shapes and forms, but one aura outshone all the others — one unmistakable red aura, crackling with power, and… desperation.

There was a very short list of people on the Material Plane with access to this kind of summoning beacon — and no matter what dark secrets their pasts held, Kravitz couldn’t bear the thought of any of them being left alone with an incredibly powerful, secret-keeping, Relic-crafting lich who had finally, finally snapped.

With a frantic swing of his scythe, he ripped open a jagged portal to the arrow’s location, and leapt through without even pausing to retrieve his Stone.

Hang on, boys! I’m coming!

***

“If you wanna hear anything about liches,” Garyl declared, “that information comes with a price. Which you know is gonna be oats, ‘cause what would I even do with gold? I’m just a funky little 80’s horse remix, so you gotta hand over those spectral oats, dude.”

Taako sighed. “Garyl. I know you’re not gonna like this question. But before you whine, please consider the fact that I’m not in the fucking mood. Now: does it have to be oats?”

“A pound of spectral oats is worth two spectral carrots or one spectral sugar cube! That’s the conversion rate. If you offer a spectral salt lick, I may be willing to negotiate.”

Taako conjured two floating, semi-tangible carrots with a wave of his umbrella, and levitated them over to Garyl, who took a bite out of both at once.

“That’s the stuff!” he whinnied. “Okay, so. Liches. Whatcha wanna know about ‘em?”

“You said, like — like two days ago now — that you used to get spectral oats from liches that I hung out with. Garyl, I need to know: was that true, or were you just guilting me for not spoiling you with enough treats?”

Garyl’s response was rendered completely indecipherable by the fresh bite of carrot in his mouth, part of which splattered across the floor and narrowly missed Taako.

“This is serious, Garyl! I’ve been meaning to ask you about this for a while, but it keeps getting more serious.” Taako groaned. “I… I didn’t even realize it, until I was talking to Kravitz last night, but… it’s just… okay, look. He remembers his whole life crystal clear, right down to how many stars you could see from this planet eight hundred and twenty years ago, but…”

He lowered his voice, glancing towards the door. “My past has always just been… fuzzy to me. I never really worried about it, but… I’m just now realizing that this might not be normal. And that if it isn’t, then I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

Garyl swallowed the last of the carrots. “Yo, your past isn’t fuzzy to me. You really don’t remember your lich buddies — your lich family? Your literal sister and brother-in-law?”

“No, Garold, I don’t remember the sound of getting electrocuted in a fantasy garbage disposal!” Taako rubbed his forehead with increasing vigor, futilely attempting to massage away the sensation of an approaching migraine. “I don’t know how you made that noise with your nasty horse mouth, but it sounded just as bad as the static Lich Barry was speaking when —”

He gasped — and in the ensuing silence, the static kept ringing in his ears, but not as an audible echo. It was coming from within his own head, like a misdirected electric current leaping from neuron to neuron, generated as his mind repeatedly tried and failed to process what he’d just heard… and Taako knew exactly where he’d felt that sensation before.

“Oh, fuck.”

He bolted for the door, locked it, then frantically emptied his pockets until he found his Stone of Farspeech, which he powered down and then magically silenced for extra insurance. “Shit. Shit. Fuck.”

“Yo, what’s the rush?” Garyl asked. “Didja just remember you owe the unicorn mafia a whole bushel of oatsss?”

“What the hell? No!” Taako cradled Garyl’s snout in his hands, standing on his tiptoes to stare at Garyl in the eyes. “Promise me, promise me right now, Garyl, that you’re not gonna fucking snitch.”

Garyl’s expression turned as serious as a binicorn’s expression could turn, given two horns, technicolor eyes, and glittering lashes to work with. “Taako, you gave me life. I’ve always got your back, man.”

“There’s a second voidfish,” Taako blurted out. “And you’re more ghost than horse, I guess, so you’re immune to it, but I’m not. And I — I think I lost something big to it.”

“Huh.” Garyl snorted. “Damn. Geez, yeah. That would explain some things about, man, musta been…” He closed his eyes, nostrils twitching. “The last twelve years? That sound right?”

“Please, Garyl. You — you might know me better than I know me, at this point, so I need you to tell me — who can I trust?”

“I can’t decide that for you, Taako.” Garyl arched his majestic equine neck, as a single tear rolled down his face, and his mullet billowed in a wind that simply shouldn’t have been possible indoors. “Look at what you know to be true in your heart, and begin the journey towards your truth by trusting yourself.”

“I’m not here to listen to your poetry, Garyl — I need names!” Taako pleaded. “Like, I — I can at least trust Kravitz, right?”

“Look, man, I’m sorry! I could tell you who you used to trust, but if someone took a Voidfish-brand eraser to your chalkboard of a brain, that means someone had to betray you, and I dunno who it was! Kravitz is probably chill, because he seems on the level and you haven’t known him long enough for him to be the culprit — but I’m still juggling like six suspects, and I’ve only got four hooves, man! I’m trying my best to —”

Abruptly, Garyl’s voice died out, and he lowered his eyes. “Well, okay, it would be… five suspects. ‘Cause… Lup definitely went missing before any memories got…”

Taako clapped his hands over his ears. “Can you try not to do that? I’m already on the edge of a migraine without —”

A knock at the door interrupted him, and the next thing he knew, he was brandishing his Umbra Staff — never mind the fact that he’d locked that door just a minute ago, and it had since remained closed.

“Taako?” Lucretia called from the hallway. “Are you alright in there?”

After what must’ve been a suspiciously long pause, “Fine!” was the only word Taako could force out.

“Just dandy!” Garyl added in a terrible Taako impression, and Taako elbowed him in the equine shoulder.

“You’re sure?” The quizzical tilt to Lucretia’s head was downright audible. “You don’t sound like yourself.”

Taako bit back a reply of golly, I wonder if that’s because I don’t who I am or how much of myself I’m missing! but managed something more civil, clamping a hand over Garyl’s mouth as he spoke.

“Just had a late night last night! Took some… personal hours. May or may not be nursing a mild hangover now.”

“Oh, we’ve all been there. Merle did mention you were sleeping in.” Lucretia sounded like her suspicion had been sated — unless, of course, she just wanted Taako to think that — because in a much more casual voice that carried far less gravitas, the next thing she asked was: “Do you mind if I come in? I feel like we haven’t talked since Candlenights.”

“No problem!” Taako replied, probably much too quickly. He uttered the word ‘unlock’ under his breath in Elvish, to magically undo his little paranoia-induced security measure before swinging the door open, and hoping Lucretia wouldn’t notice the door had been locked or go on to question why. “Mi casa es tu casa — ‘cause, y’know, mi casa is technically part of your moonbase.”

If Lucretia did notice the unlocking door, she only questioned it silently, because her attention seemed understandably drawn to the binicorn trotting in place in the middle of the dorm.

“Oh, Garyl! Good to see you too.”

“Haha, yeah!” Garyl chuckled nervously. “Imagine meeting you, here, in a place like this! What are the odds?”

Lucretia lowered herself onto the sofa, glanced at Magnus’s rugged hand-crafted coffee table, and pointed to her feet. “Do you mind?”

Taako shrugged. “Uh… knock yourself out, Luce?”

She kicked off her heeled boots and slung her feet onto the table, laying her staff down in her lap. “Let’s get to the point. I did come here for a particular reason —”

“Oh?” Taako forced a smile. “Do tell.”

“Well, Merle and Leon got into a bit of an argument over — actually, let me start from the beginning. At some point in today’s second game, the kickball went over the edge of the moon, and has probably hit the planet Earth at terminal velocity by now.” Lucretia grimaced. “I hope no one was standing beneath it. Yikes.”

“Home run, baby!” Garyl cheered. Taako simply attempted to nod along.

“Actually, by our rules, it’s a foul with a sizeable penalty. Leon was pitching and Merle was kicking, so naturally they got into a fight over whose fault it was, and Merle threatened — let me see if I remember this all correctly — to ask you, Taako, to ask your ‘new friend the Grim Reaper’ to come up here and ‘reap Leon’s ass’ like said Grim Reaper purportedly once threatened to reap Merle’s own ass. So I was just hoping to get to you first, and stage an intervention to make sure the Bureau’s only artificer doesn’t take a one way trip to the heavens above — not to mention, maybe, ask if you had any idea what the hell Merle was talking about?”

“Well, bold statement saying Leon would go to heaven, first of all. Pretty sure he’d head the way of the plummeting kickball and smash through the planet’s crust. Second of all, um, I guess you could say I know the Grim Reaper? Look, we haven’t been seeing each other for very long, but I think we both feel a connection —”

“Oh! Well, good for you! Don’t get me wrong, that’s fucking wild if you mean it seriously rather than as a goof, but I’m still happy for you!”

“Not a goof. That is the whole story there, though. I’m dating the Grim Reaper, what more is there to say?” Taako grinned from ear to ear, and it felt slightly more sincere than every other smile he’d put on in this disaster of a conversation. “But as a… as an aside… uh, Garyl, do you remember those… six, no, five people you mentioned to me, just before Lucretia showed up?”

Garyl blinked at him with a downright hostility, as if to say You’re circling back to this topic NOW?

“Your, um, suspect list?” Taako clarified. “Of… people on the moon most likely to give you oats? I guess it was more like a power ranking, actually, let’s definitely call it a power ranking instead of a suspect list — but my point is, um, was the ‘Director’ here on it?”

“Yee-esssss,” Garyl replied slowly, still giving Taako the evil eye. “You know what I always say about Lucretia: she… she totes got the oats!”

“Okay!” Taako replied, knuckles turning white as he gripped the handle of the Umbra Staff. “Thanks! For letting me know! About those oat facts!”

“Um,” said Lucretia, which was probably the best reaction that Taako could’ve reasonably hoped for. “I… think I misplaced my oats today. Also, maybe my supply of oats for this entire year?” She reached for her boots. “Is this a hint that I should go back to refereeing kickball?”

“Yes!” Taako blurted out. “Oh, I mean, no, it’s not — I mean, you can leave! But you don’t have to. We don’t mind you being here!”

“We don’t not want you to leave but we also don’t not not not want you to leave,” Garyl added, as if it were a verbal Fantasy Rosetta Stone that would clarify and explain all of Taako’s anxious floundering. “Because we trust and cherish you. And oats! Mostly oats.”

Lucretia slipped her boots back on, then rose from her seat in a regal manner that probably wasn’t intended to intimidate the living daylights out of Taako. “No, you have a point. I should go make sure our secret society doesn’t fracture into warring kickball factions — but I’ll be back to chat more, don’t worry. Hopefully on a day you’re feeling better, Taako.”

She winked at Garyl as she turned to leave. “And I’ll try and remember to bring oats. Gotta move up in those power rankings.”

“It was actually more like a tier list!” Garyl called as she closed the door. When Taako magically locked it behind her, Garyl began pacing around the dorm, his tail swishing with enough force to knock several paintings and decorative vases onto the floor.

“Taako! She never has oats and she knows it! She’s onto us!”

“Yeah, you think?” Taako sunk into the couch Lucretia had vacated, burying his head in his hands. “I need backup who can hear through the static, before she puts it together and comes back to throw me in the brig. I’m calling Kravitz.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, you do that. I’ll keep working on the tier list.” As Taako began to reboot his Stone, Garyl accelerated his nervous pacing to a nervous trot.

“Garyl, if this turns into a canter, I swear to gods —” Taako muttered, tapping the Stone’s unresponsive screen with a shaky thumb.

“Sorry.” Garyl slowed to a halt. “Hmm. You trust Davenport more, less, or the same as Lucretia?”

“What, you think he just pretends he can only say his own name to disguise his role as the evil mastermind?” Taako’s stomach churned. “Shit. You might be onto something. Put him below Lucretia on the tier list. Or above? I dunno how —”

“Wait, I’m not following you, man. Since when can Dav can only say his own name?”

Taako groaned. “I’m gonna take a wild guess and say since twelve fucking years ago — alright, finally! Here we go!” His Stone of Farspeech flickered to life, and he navigated to Kravitz’s contact page as quickly as his trembling fingers allowed.

When he hit Call, an eerie silence filled the dorm as he and Garyl listened to one, two, three, four short rings — then, a beep, and a horrendous pre-recorded Cockney accent.

Hullo, greetings, and top o’ the morning! You’ve successfully reached the desk of Kravitz, Emissary of Her Majesty the Raven Queen, but I’m away right now, so if you have a zombie outbreak to report, press 1. If you wish to subscribe to our mailing list of anti-necromancy resources, press 2. If you’re dead and in need of an escort to the Astral Plane, press 3. If you just wanted to have a friendly chat, please leave a message after the caw, and I’ll get back to you once I’m able.

A raven cawed, and Taako started talking:

“Hey, babe, it’s me! Your boy. Um, don’t let me take you away from saving the world from necromancers or anything important like that… but if you’re not busy, I could really use your help, so if you could swing by the moonbase, and — and maybe not tell anyone you’re coming here or that you’re coming to see me — then that would be just swell! Everything’s cool, nothing’s wrong — well, no, you’re a perceptive guy, you can definitely tell something’s wrong — but I’m sure you and me, and Garyl, and maybe Angus will be able to figure it out, no problem! Except, now that I think about it, maybe not Angus, because I’ve put him in enough danger to solve my own problems already — but uh, thanks in advance, love you, see you soon, bye!”

Then he dropped his Stone, grabbed the nearest couch pillow, and screamed into it.

“Hey, hey, relaaax,” Garyl told him. “You heard him — he’ll get back to you soon.”

“Yeah. I know.” Taako took a deep breath, letting the pillow fall to the ground. “He’s just a busy guy, with an important job. He’ll be here as soon as he can…”

Garyl nodded sagely. “And you’d do the same, for him, because that’s love. Unless…”

Taako’s heart skipped a beat. “Unless?”

“Unless someone on the lower end of the trust tier list knows about his connection to you, and to keep hiding the truth, they capture him before he can get here!” Garyl sniffed. “Just like the unicorn mafia captured my dear ol’ uncle…”

Taako pressed the Call button again, and when he was once again directed to voicemail, he picked the pillow back up and resumed screaming.

“Hey, take it easyyy, man. It’s not like they can kill him,” Garyl soothed. “And b’sides, haven’t you got that… that whatsit-called, that magic arrow? You can still check in on him that way, even if the bad guys stole his Stone!”

“Right!” Taako sprung up from the couch, and bolted towards the quiver of arrows that Magnus had casually slung onto the doorknob of his room. “I mean, I’m sure his phone didn’t even get taken from him — he’s eight and a half centuries old, for crying out loud! He probably just misplaced it, or accidentally put it on silent, or… gee, we really don’t have a lot of traditional surfaces to jab arrows into here, do we?”

He glanced around the dorm, gaze finally landing on Magnus’s homemade coffee table. “I’ll just… wedge it in one of the seams in the wood, so it definitely won’t be noticeable, right?”

“You asking me? I’m apparently an amnesia-immune ghost horse, man — what makes ya think I’d ever want or attempt to understand woodworking?”

“Guess you’ve never attempted to understand a rhetorical question, either,” Taako muttered as he crouched on the ground. Clasping the arrow between two hands, he took a deep breath, then plunged it into the coffee table. “Kravitz? I could really use your help, I won’t lie, but — but mostly, I’m worried and just checking in to make sure you’re okay —”

For a sliver of a second, everything seemed to proceed as it should, with an electric blue glow flickering to life inside the arrowhead — and then, it exploded, spitting out fragments of crystal and tongues of vicious astral fire. Taako reflexively turned his head and dropped to the floor, but still felt something sharp and burning prick into his biceps like a red-hot needle, and he held his breath until the sound of shattering crystal halted and the sound of burning wood faded to a faint sizzling.

“So, uh…” Garyl slowly backed away from Magnus’s poor table, which was already more ‘smoldering pile of ash and sapphire dust’ than it was furniture. “This ever happen before?”

“No,” Taako whispered. He raised a hand to touch the stinging point on his arm, and pulled away with a droplet of blood and a tiny pointed crystal both resting atop his index fingertip. “Never —”

“Okay, cool, that narrows down the possibilities,” Garyl concluded. “Either he’s really busy, or we’re really fucked.”

This time, Taako didn’t even bother to grab a pillow before he started screaming.

***

End Notes:

thanks for reading, comments welcomed as always!

next chapter: Ghost Fight (or in other words, we get to see what Kravitz has been up to in the meantime)

#taz #taz balance #taako taaco #kravitz taz #taakitz #angus mcdonald #lucretia taz #garyl taz #taz balance spoilers #fic: ftrala #rosalia writes fic

20 notes · View notes

brighternite-a · 3 years

Photo

alright mates, here i go ! with my third charrie, as excited as ever ! if you'd like to hear more about your favorite local comic book artist meredith, here ya go ! below the cut, the story of meredith perlamn is to be told. enjoy !

★ APP !

✨ bryce dallas howard, demigender, she/they — agnes street wouldn’t be the same today if it wasn’t islesbury comics. do you know that meredith perlman works there as the owner ? they are forty-two and they look like the kind of person who believes that all foklore creatures once existed on earth, strawberry sunscreen by lostboycrow starts to play inside my head. maybe it is the vibe they give off, imagination without its limits ; you believe everything you can dream of has the potential to become your reality, breeze of a sea in a tone of pure sapphire; it’s the bluest you have ever seen, rough drafts outlined with vibrant colors ; you know ? ( c, 23, gmt + 3, they / them )

★ STORY !

TRIGGERS AHEAD : loss, death .

meredith perlman grew up with her grandpa who was an old sailor that had to take care of his daughter's child after her demise. meredith lost her parents at a young age. the old man as her guardian, he hated the idea of raising this kid who resembled his late daughter in an undeniable way. but he did not have a choice, did he ? leaving a small kid with a light in her eyes and softness in her heart alone in this wild wild world was even too cruel of an idea for the man who once almost collided with death.

the little meredith though, she always tried to make her saddened grandpa smile, it was rare to get a smile out of him. she managed that sometimes. the only thing she expected from the old guy was 'fairy tales', her love for the dreamland goes way back.

that was a challenging demand for the sailor. he didn't know of fairy tales. he knew of stories of tragedy and almighty waves that brought death in their rise. so, he told her about the only thing he had known, the sea. she grew up listening to all these glorified stories on how merit was the sea. all these blue coloured stories, meredith couldn’t help but find herself turning them into pictures. blue crayons were always the first ones to run out.

and there began her love for storytelling. but not only with words. for her, visuals came first and words next. she was mixing grandpa’s stories with her own visions and transferring them to paper. what began as the sailor’s telltale stories became the first and roughest draft ever of meredith perlman’s debut comic.

enjoying her young days, she painted as much as she could. lived her story as colourful as it could be. before she released her art officially, she already had at least fifty handmade issues drafted. and when it finally happened, the day she released her first comic book, it opened the gate of many opportunities for meredith. her title became a best seller in a short amount of time. then lots of cons, meetings, and panels followed. she travelled a lot, and the places she has seen fuelled her inspiration.

she never saw herself as one to settle down, seeking adventure in every possible way has always been mer’s method of feeding the soul. but the years of university had it as a surprise for her. perhaps it is still the first thing to pop inside her brain when love is a spoken word, what she felt when she and river found each other. the kind of feeling that puts a colour on your cheeks, messes with your breathing. a feeling that is made of purity ; unconditional endearment at its very essence. a real life fairy tale, perhaps. but one without a they lived happily ever after. when the break-up happened, an imperative moving on plan was the only way she could get through without falling apart as she grieved this love’s defeat.

she is still drawing/writing. she is all about vibrant colours, her drawings and fashion choices reflect that. her personality is also as colourful. her comic books are still popular and they are like her babies. if i were to describe her comics in three words, those words would be mythical, exquisite, queer.

islesbury comics is her comic books shop ; a whole wall of funko pops, most valuable variants of all comics you may ever think of, and cgc graded specials of meredith perlman. meredith sees that shop like her home. oh and don’t forget to redeem your free snacks and posters before you leave !

she is literally a dreamer who lives by positivity, there is always another chance for her. there is always hope in the state of dreaming she lives in. but even optimism is a dangerous thing at some extent. well, mer’s slowly reaching that level. she may seem fine from a point of view that is shallow. vibrant, full of energy, in love with her job, moving on from her one true love in a way that convinces you hearts shall be easy to mend. you’d envy her. but it’s only going to take some more time for her to realise not letting herself feel what has to be felt and taking things way too lightly will not keep her safe from the sad forever.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MEREDITH ‘ S PINBOARD .

HIT THE HEART TO PLOT WITH MEREDITH IF YOU’D LIKE !

#agnesfm.intro #it is already so late in my tz so YIKES YIKES YIKES

7 notes · View notes

kaitycole · 4 years

Text

Adventure Made Blondes...

Summary: Jackson catches Drake up on everything he told Riley and tells them about the ill-fated diplomatic ball.

Word Count: 2381

Pairings: Drake x Riley, Constantine x Eleanor, Jackson x Bianca

Warnings: N/A

Part 11 of WP. To catch up read here.

Tag List: @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @glaimtruelovealways @bobasheebaby @bascmve01 @burnsoslow @the-everlasting-dream @ao719 @sirbeepsalot @janezillow @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @kimmiedoo5 @choices97 @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @lodberg @edgiestwinter @marshmallowsandfire @hopefulmoonobject @iaminlovewithtrr

**I don’t own the characters, just borrowing them**

FC for Eleanor Rys and her dress and FC for Bianca Walker and her dress.

He waits until her car is out of sight before heading back into the house. He sits back down in his chair before looking at a picture of him and Eleanor on the table next to him.

“I really wish you here to help, El.” A single tear falls down his cheek before he wipes it away.

* * “Maybe you should just go by yourself. He probably only said I could come so you wouldn’t think he was an awful person.” Drake rubs the back of his neck, regretting his decision.

“Or he wants a chance to make amends with his son. I really think you should hear what he has to say.” Riley gives her husband a smile; she knows this won’t be easy, but she does think it’s important for them to talk.

“I just don’t know, RI. I mean when I confronted him weeks ago, he told me to leave and then confided in a complete stranger.” He flops down on the couch.

“You grew up with your dad being your hero, Drake. Seeing you made him realize that that façade was shattered.” She wraps her arms around his shoulders from behind as she rests her chin on his shoulder, “How would you feel if our baby learned you weren’t the hero they always saw you as?”

Drake knows his wife is making valid points, but it’s not as easy for him as it is for her to accept Jackson’s word. He taught Drake that a man stood behind what he said and how he acted, yet Jackson seemed to have gone back on everything he taught Drake.

“Guess it couldn’t hurt to hear what he has to say.”

“If it gets too much, we can leave. And I’ll be beside you the whole time!” She peppers his cheek and neck with kisses before letting him go, “Let’s go!”

Drake stands up and watches his wife buzz around the room, gathering her purse and sweater before bolting out the door. He didn’t understand why she was so excited about going. He grabs his keys off the holder by the door before locking up and walking to his truck where she’s waiting to get in.

It’s a few moments into the drive before Riley squeals, causing Drake to panic. He looks at her and she giggles.

“According to this baby app, our baby is the size of an apple.”

Drake takes a deep breath, “Maybe save the squeals for when I’m at a red light or parked next time?”

She turns red, “I’m sorry.”

He grabs her hand, squeezes it before laughing, “An apple, eh? Like a Cordonian Ruby?”

“I’ll never understand y’alls love for apples.”

“Speaking of Cordonia, Liam is planning a trip down here.”

“What!” She squeals again, “Liam’s coming!”

Even though Riley initially flew to Cordonia for Liam’s social season, it was clear from the beginning that Drake and Riley were destined to be together. Liam wasn’t blind to how her and Drake looked at each other, so he didn’t make it awkward or continue to try to pursue her. He had given them his blessing, not that they needed it, but Riley wanted it. She refused to tear Drake and Liam apart, refused to be the woman who destroyed a childhood long friendship.

However, that didn’t stop her from befriending Liam and making him her best friend just as Maxwell had made her him. She stuck by his side through the whole social season and helped him gain the courage to stand up to tradition by not settling for a loveless marriage.

* *

Drake sees Jackson sitting on the porch, waiting for them as they pull up into the driveway.

“It’s going to be okay, I promise.” Riley grabs Drake’s hand. She gives him her best smile, the one he fell in love with all those years ago.

He takes a deep breath, “Okay, let’s go.”

They slowly make their way up the walkway as Jackson comes down and greets them midway.

“Good morning. I have a pot of coffee ready, if you’d like some.” Jackson says, kicking some dirt on the ground.

“Drake loves coffee, I’m sure he’d like one, right Drake?” Riley gently nudges his arm.

“Oh, uh, yeah sure.”

The three of them all walk inside the house; Drake and Riley take a seat at the kitchen table as Jackson pours him and Drake a cup.

“There’s sugar on the table and I have creamer in the fridge.”

“I drink it black.” Riley cuts her eyes at him and he adds, “But thank you.”

“Of course. I prefer a bit of creamer, myself.” Jackson sits down across from Drake and Riley. They all sat in a semi-awkward silence, not sure exactly how to start things. It’s not until Riley’s sudden dash out of the kitchen that either say anything.

“Is everything okay?” He looks at Drake with confusion.

“Is that Hazelnut creamer?”

“How’d you know?”

Drake chuckles, “It’s one of Ri’s food aversions.”

“Aver…That means she’s…” Jackson pauses, waiting for his son to speak up.

“Pregnant, yes. Just a little bit into her second trimester.” Drake smiles.

“You’re gonna be a grandpa!” Riley exclaims, walking back into the kitchen, having heard the end of their conversation.

“Wow. Congratulations.” Jackson says, smiling at the couple in front of him.

Drake wants to be happy to share this moment with Jackson, for his child to have a grandfather. “Before we start handing out grandparent titles, I think we need to talk first.”

“Drake!” Riley opposes, cutting him a look; telling him to play nice.

“No no, I understand where he’s coming from.” Jackson says.

For the next hour, Jackson catches Drake up on everything he had told Riley not too long ago. When he told Riley it was effortless almost, he knew regardless of what she ended up thinking, it wouldn’t really affect him. He had no risk in that exchange but he felt a lump in his throat each time he swallowed while repeated it all to his son.

Drake takes in everything his father tells him. How the picture of love at first sight, a happy marriage between his parents, the type of love he strived for; was all a bunch of lies. He listened to how his father started an innocent friendship that ended up in two broken families, to how his once hero became nothing but a stranger in front of him.

“And know you know everything I’ve told Riley.”

Drake just stares at Jackson, he’s not sure what more he could be told. What Jackson could tell him to make him understand why they did what they did, why they left him, Liam and Savannah. Drake hadn’t even called Savannah to tell her yet; he knew he had to, but he just didn’t know how to.

“Are you okay, hun?” Riley squeeze Drake’s hand.

“Yeah. So, what happened at this ball?” Drake looks at Jackson; part of him not caring, the other part of him just wanting to learn the truth.

* *

The next day at the palace, everything is a whirlwind. Floral arrangements, name cards and fairy lights are being carried through the palace halls. Jackson and Timothy are watching as mayhem fills the palace.

“Your wife excited about tonight?” Timothy asks, nudging Jackson.

He knew he was talking about the fact the couple had been invited to the ball by Queen Eleanor herself and that they had been given a reserved suite. Bianca has been talking about the ordeal for days. Even calling her sister and comparing it to Disney World.

“It’s all she can talk about.”

“What about you?”

“It might be weird not being off to the side and being on high alert.”

“That’s not what I meant.” He glances around before lowering his voice, “About having both Eleanor and Bianca together. Since you have feelings for…”

Jackson interrupts him, “Don’t even finish that false statement.”

As he strides through the halls, he gets lost in thought: I can’t believe he thinks something so absurd. Only a fool would fall for a Queen, especially someone so much lower in station. What could someone like me even give a woman like her.

The rest of the day is uneventful, especially with Timothy keeping his distance. It’s not until he’s about to leave that he runs into Queen Eleanor.

“Jackson!” She practically squeals before realizing people could hear, “Office Walker.”

“Your Majesty,” he bows.

“Are you looking forward to the festivities?”

“Bianca hasn’t stopped talking about it since the invitation arrived.”

“I’m glad, but I asked if you were.”

“Oh! It will be different for sure, but it will be interesting to see how the other side lives.”

She playfully bumps his shoulder before smiling, “Does Bianca have a dress? I could have some brought to your suite.”

“That’s not needed. I’m sure she will have something.”

“Well, do let me know. I know what it’s like to feel like an outsider.” She gives him a faint smile.

“Ellie, there you are.” The masculine voice fills the air around them.

“Your Majesty.” Jackson goes to bow.

“No need for that Jackson. This meeting is rather casual.”

“Constantine,” Eleanor nods.

“One of the decorators is looking for you, dear.” He tells his wife.

“Constantine. Jackson. If you’ll excuse me.” Eleanor smiles before taking her leave.

“I take it all the security needs are handled since you’ll be off duty.”

“Yes, sir, but I’ll duck out if needed.”

“I expect no less, but I do hope you try to enjoy yourself. I believe all the children will be staying over. Drake and Savannah are welcome to join.”

“I appreciate that, sir.” Jackson says.

* *

By the time the ball begins, the palace has been completely transformed. Lights, flowers, decorations have truly changed the once cold and stoic palace into a lively and comfortable setting.

Bianca’s eyes were as large as a kid’s on Christmas; trying to take in as much as she could. She’d been in parts of the palace before but never seen it like this.

“Mrs. Walker?”

She turns around to see a maid smile at her.

“Yes?”

“Please follow me ma’am.”

Bianca looks at Jackson who smiles, “Go on, no one here bites.”

She’s then escorted to one of the spare rooms typically reserved for nobles staying from abroad. Her eyes light up once again when she sees several beautiful ballgowns and accessories throughout the room.

“Jackson said you’d have a gown, but I still thought I’d offer.”

Bianca turns around and immediately drops into a curtesy, “Queen Eleanor!”

Eleanor bites back a smile, “No need for all that. It’s nice to meet you Mrs. Walker.”

“Bianca is fine, ma’am.”

“Bianca it is then.” She walks closer to Bianca, “I had some gowns and such brought in here for you to look at. I won’t be offended if you don’t choose any, so please don’t fret.”

“Why’d you do all of this for me?” Bianca looks at the gowns, she’s never seen such dresses before and refuses to even think of what they must’ve cost.

“Let’s just say that I know firsthand what it’s like to attend the ball in a gown people didn’t find good enough.” Bianca sees the sad smile on Eleanor’s face before looking at her own gown.

Up until this moment, Bianca hadn’t realized that she never saw Queen Eleanor as a person. She was always this high-powered entity to her, but now she saw that she wasn’t that much different than her. She couldn’t even imagine how lonely Eleanor must feel being her and not really having friends. Friendships within nobility were rare, Jackson had told her before, they lasted long enough for each party to get something they wanted from the other.

“Which would you pick out for me, Queen Eleanor?”

Eleanor smiles, “I think you’d look lovely in this one.”

* *

Bianca walks down the hall, trying to remember which way she came from. Timothy quickly sees her and walks towards her.

“Need any assistance?”

“Timothy, oh thank heavens. I’m trying to find Jackson.”

“The ballroom is this way, I’ll escort you.” Timothy motions for her to continue walking, “That’s a lovely gown.”

“Thank you. Queen Eleanor lent it to me for the night. She’s very sweet.”

Timothy’s eyes widen, “Yes, she is.”

They didn’t say much of anything else as they walked through the empty halls towards the ballroom. Bianca immediately saw Jackson and parted ways with Timothy.

“Jack!” She called out as he appeared to be looking for her.

“Bianca. Wow.” Jackson’s jaw dropped. His wife stood in front of him wearing a completely different gown than she had arrived in. She had originally chosen to wear an ill-fitting dress that she had for years that she’d worn to Tonya and Cash’s wedding a few years ago. Yet here she was in a pale-yellow strapless dress that had white appliqué flowers covering the bodice and flowing down onto part of the skirt. It hugged her sides which showed off her figure more than most clothes she wore and the rhinestone studded belt insinuated her waist.

Bianca’s face turns red as her husband stares at her.

“Where did you get that gown?” He pulls her to his side and kisses her temple.

“Queen Eleanor lent it to me. Actually, she picked it out as well.”

“The Queen does have excellent taste.”

The couple walk into the ballroom just before the King and Queen are announced. Bianca feels herself attempting to cover her shoulders; feeling slightly exposed as they made their way through the room.

“Cold?” Jackson asks.

“Just feeling a bit uncomfortable.”

“Don’t be. You look beautiful.”

As they reached their table, they stood as Constantine and Eleanor were announced and entered the room. Constantine wore his typical regale attire while his wife wore the lavender colored gown Jackson had seen just a week prior. Her hair was down and curled which was usual because typically noble women wore their hair up to events that lasted long hours.

Bianca looks up to whisper something to her husband but stops when she sees him practically drooling. Immediately the confidence his earlier words had given her, crumbled; feeling herself pale in comparison to the Queen.

38 notes · View notes

jaxsteamblog · 4 years

Text

Clueless

Click here to read the full fic on AO3

After leaving the shop, Katara went home to change and talk to her father. Apparently, Thuy’s debut was going to be a very large ordeal. As she was born in the swamp, she symbolized a partnership between the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe. Historically, such a relationship had been impossible as many of the closest Earth Kingdom city-states feared any growing power among the ice bound tribes.

The idea of inviting the Avatar’s descendants came out of the Fire Nation. The only times when they got together were for various Avatar related holidays, and those visits were strained during the war. The records only went as far back as Yangchen and Kuruk never had children, but there were hundreds of years between Kyoshi’s daughter Koko and family trees blurred quickly. But with this strong connection between Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe, the Fire Nation was keen on reestablishing these familial bonds.

Bonds Katara had no idea about. It’s not like she was related to the Avatar.

Sitting on her couch, Katara pulled up the mini series on the Avatars on Webflicks. Starting the episode on Avatar Roku, she fast forwarded to the end.

His only living descendants were Zuko and Azula.

That surprised Katara but, as Tenzin narrated the episode, she found that their connection to Avatar Roku was through their mother. She was an only child, born of the only child Roku had. And she had disappeared halfway through the war.

Flipping to the next episode, Katara watched a bit about Avatar Aang. Tenzin, with more emotion in his voice as he spoke about his late father than the previous Avatars, explained how Roku’s death is what allowed for the conflict between the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom to begin.

Roku, having been close to Fire Lord Sozin all of his life, had defused a lot. While attempting to stop a volcanic eruption, both the Avatar and the Fire Lord perished. Aang was raised during a time of turmoil as Fire Lord Azulon sought to fill his father’s throne, but was isolated in part due to being an Air Nomad.

The back and forth between the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom went on for the Avatar’s lifetime. It was only because of his intervention that it didn’t escalate.

Ultimately, Avatar Aang had a family. His eldest son Bumi left the monastic order and founded the secular Urban Dust, his daughter Yangzom became the youngest spiritual sage of her time, and his youngest son Tenzin became a revered historian. All of them Airbenders, they scattered across the world and, in a moment of unintentional hilarity, not even Tenzin could figure out who had children and where. His older siblings having passed on, only his children were the official descendants of Avatar Aang.

Katara chuckled as she saw a shot of Rohan in their Airbender robes and with a shaved head. They looked happy standing with their family. Her smile fading, Katara clicked back an episode to see the shot of Zuko with his. He didn’t look nearly as happy. Or really, he didn’t look happy at all.

With a sigh, Katara switched off her TV and got up. She would probably have to sit and watch the whole series, if for nothing else than to give her even the slightest bit of knowledge about the current global climate. It might help to know more about Thuy as well, if they were going to be working together when Katara became queen.

Katara shuddered and headed for the door.

Rohan met her in a park and Katara looked around as she got there. It was still early in the evening and, with the summer solstice behind them, the sunset made the world rosy. Rohan sat on a low cement wall, overlooking an outdoor amphitheater with their glider folded up next to them.

“So, do any air deliveries today?” Katara asked, eyeing the glider. Rohan laughed and rubbed the back of their head.

“Nah. Unfortunately, I was on time for everything today.” They replied.

“You know, I’m curious, why is it that the Avatar’s grandchild is a delivery person?” Katara questioned.

“Well, since an Avatar is born every generation, it’d get pretty expensive to keep their kids living in the lap of luxury.” Rohan said and Katara shrugged. “And grandpa certainly blew through any niceties when he had three times as many kids as the last three Avatars combined.”

“And then your dad having four!” Katara added as she sat down next to them. “The audacity!”

Rohan chuckled and they both looked down the overgrown slope. Children jumped from one spot of exposed rock to another and shrieked with delight. It was a gentle scene as the day was ending and the air was finally cooling.

“It’s nice having a big family. It’ll be nicer once Jinora has her kid.” Rohan tilted their head and looked over at Katara. “Do you and Sokka get along?”

“Yeah. Why do you ask?” Katara leaned back, putting her hands on the warmed stone.

“You look sad.” Rohan said bluntly. Katara felt the blush and she turned her face.

“It’s just Sokka and I. And our dad.” She added hurriedly.

“I think we were lucky, all of the Air Nomads. Our temples are so hard to reach, we were really protected.” Rohan said. “Except for Uncle Bumi, but Pop said that he got to play Sky Pirates and fight the Fire Nation, which the monks wouldn’t’ve let him do.”

“It’s funny how there will always be pirates. Waterbenders were the pirate kings but got wiped out during the war.” Katara said and then sighed. “A lot of Waterbenders got wiped out in the war.”

“But you’re still here.” Rohan said, putting their hand on hers. “And the Avatar has been found with a whole stash of lost Waterbenders!”

Katara laughed and sat up, sliding her hand from under Rohan’s. “You’re right.”

Standing up, she held onto the strap of her purse with both hands. “Ready to go?”

“Yup!” Rohan said, jumping up. They took their glider up and spun it, stamping it down on the ground as they stood to their full height.

“How do you feel about pizza?” They asked.

The pizza place they ended up in was small, but lively. Rohan left Katara and their glider at an outdoor table, and she watched them through the large plate glass window. People were pressed shoulder to shoulder as they stood eating the largest slices of pizza Katara had ever seen. Rohan was quickly enveloped as they got closer to the counter and Katara pulled her phone out of her purse. Opening her Clicktalk app, she snapped a picture with the hanging restaurant sign behind her. Typing in a caption, Katara glanced up to see if she could spot Rohan. They were tall, but had somehow been completely swallowed by the crowd.

As she posted her picture, she saw two arms rise up over the bobbing heads and smiled at the sight of the blue arrows. Holding up two plates, the arms pushed through the crowd till Rohan freed themself, heading for the door.

Setting down the plates, Katara watched as they then reached into their pants pockets, pulling out two soda bottles with a flourish.

“Now watch this.” They said as they sat down. Using their airbending, Rohan flicked the bottle caps off and sent them spinning. They caught them in the air and made the caps dance around each other before letting them drop.

“That is a cool trick.” Katara said with a laugh. Looking down at the pizza, she pulled a plate over to her side of the table. The slices were as big as her face and the pepperoni slices were twice the size she had seen on other pizza.

“I thought Airbenders were vegetarians.” Katara remarked, picking up her slice and folding it in half.

“Common misconception. Avatar Aang was a vegetarian but he was an outlier and should not be counted.” Rohan replied before shoving pizza into their mouth.

“So do you and like, the other Avatar descendants hang out?” Katara asked before taking a bite.

“You mean with Zuko and Azula?” Rohan questioned with their mouth still mostly full. They paused to swallow. “Sometimes, but it’s usually just at formal functions. Apparently my uncle Bumi saved Iroh’s butt a bunch during the early part of the war and so the current Fire Lord doesn’t really like us.”

“Then you know Iroh?”

“Sure! I get tea there all the time and hangout. Pop says Iroh’s the little brother he never had.”

“Well, you should know Zuko at least.”

Rohan took a moment to eat before responding, looking off into the street.

“Zuko is Zuko.” They said softly, then turned and smiled. “Actually, my sister Jinora was better friends with him. And Meelo is absolutely obsessed with Azula.”

“I can’t imagine anyone being obsessed with Azula.” Katara said dryly and Rohan laughed.

“The very reason you can’t is exactly the reason why he is.” They said and shook their head. “Anything he wasn’t supposed to do or was considered dangerous was always the first thing at the top of his to-do list.”

Katara and Rohan laughed, and Katara picked up her bottle of cherry cola. She liked this, liked getting pizza and being out. Everything was more open and sticky; the sweetness of the soda spilling into the rest of the evening and making her feel happy. It was somehow more expansive than being at the beach.

Everything had been picked out and packed up before she had even gotten to the beach house. Now, in retrospect, she knew that someone had come in to make their meals and take care of everything for the royals. Here, she had her choice of toppings and soda, and she sat outside listening to people pass by.

What would Zuko have picked if he had gone off the tracks for once?

“So, do you happen to know anything about the new Avatar?” Katara asked.

“Only that Pop can’t wait to train her. He was so happy he almost cried.” Rohan replied.

“I guess that makes sense, that she would train with Aang’s family.” Katara said and drank more of her soda. “I wonder if she’ll train with Zuko.”

“Maybe, it’d certainly be good for them if she did.” Rohan said idly. “Think she’ll do any training in the North Pole?”

“I don’t see why.” Katara shrugged. “She’s already a Waterbender.”

“Yeah, but like, for her spiritual training.”

“I thought that was an Airbender thing.” She said, picking up her pizza.

“Don’t you guys live with two actual spirits?”

The flash of black that glowed swept over her mind and Katara choked on her mouthful of pizza. Rohan reached out, alarmed, but Katara held up a hand and grabbed her soda. Take a drink, she felt the lump painfully move down her throat and she could breathe.

“Okay, well yeah.” She said and Rohan sat back, chuckling in relief.

Pushing her plate away, Katara leaned back in her seat. “I think I’m done.”

“Sure. Would you like to go on a walk?” Rohan asked. Katara smiled and nodded.

“That would be nice.” She said.

As Rohan took their plates and walked over to the trash, Katara pulled out her phone. A few people had viewed her Click but she had a message from-

“Zuko?” She murmured. Opening the reply, all it said was

I love that place! Try it with white sauce!

Frowning, Katara put her phone away.

“Shall we?” Rohan asked.

Katara stood and they started down the street. Rohan used their glider as a walking stick and people kept out of their way. Eyeing them out of the corner of her eye, Katara smirked.

“Are you doing that on purpose?” She asked. Rohan smiled slyly.

“Whatever are you talking about?” They shot back.

“Why did you ask me out?” Katara questioned suddenly. That seemed to surprise them and they thought for a moment.

“Every once in a while, my family gets on my back about dating. I’m aromantic and they don’t get it, so I take someone out from time to time to get them to stop asking questions.” They answered honestly.

“So you don’t, like me?” Katara asked.

“Do you like me?”

“Well.” Katara fidgeted and Rohan laughed.

“We literally just met today. It’s not about liking someone, it’s about getting to know them.” They said. Looking at Katara’s pained expression, they shook their head.

“From what I understand, people click and then they go out and the whole thing is riddled with hormonal traps.” Rohan gestured with a hand and Katara watched them. “But honestly, romance is just like any other relationship to me. You have to know the person right?”

“Sure, but…” Katara started and Rohan held out their hand. Unsure, Katara still took it.

“Your heart is pounding isn’t it?” They asked. Katara’s face burned and she yanked her hand back.

“S-shut up!” She stammered and Rohan laughed.

“It just happens, and I’m not even the one you want right?”

“Not the one…?”

“Oh come on, I saw how Zuko was looking at you.” Rohan said.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Katara sputtered and Rohan continued to laugh.

“It means that maybe I also asked you out because the last time I saw Zuko, his sister was being really mean and he didn’t do anything.”

“That still doesn’t make any sense.” Katara said in a huff.

“You are totally clueless.” Rohan said, wiping their eyes. “Let’s just have a good night, and I promise you it’ll make things more fun for you.”

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

#zutara #fanfiction #jax writes #modern au #zutara month 2020 #the fic that prompts built

45 notes · View notes