Mf - Blog Posts
Headcannon that Diana is a Gyura (I think that's what it's called it)
Okay, so I get Ches/Glam (platonic or romantic) vibes from this, and I know it's not like the normal music that is in the show but ppl who listen to medal, punk, rock and roll, etc.. can still listen to different types of music. I'm sure most people know that but still
I really like it in Glam's point of view, how Ches showed him what life could be about and stuff. How he was his first friend and everything, got him a life he loved.
But he didn't really know how love really worked, since he only had his dad (not good) his mom (she didn't/couldn't help) and his sister (he did have some moments with her but she couldn't do anything and turned cold when they got older)
Ches was the first person that actually showed him love (platonic or romantic)
Okay I'm ranting, bye
Chat, I'm into Medal Family now
Hannah Hays has a kind of musical moan
How about the rarest couple in MLB show, maybe Lila/Luka (Liluka).How about them!?
Luka‘s got no time for her shenanigans
i know yall missed my babes so heres a wip to keep you fed a little
back to my cave i go
Outcast Heroine x her rival
The thought of inviting her,
it didn’t even cross their mind, did it?
Heroine stared at the rest of her team, who never seemed to notice her existence. By the loud laughs and noticeable drop of seriousness, they were heading to the bar. Leaving her to be the only to work on their shared case. Again.
Who cares.
She will be the one who laughs at the end.
She might be the outcast here, but it only proved her worth. She works harder, she is more serious, she will solve this case. I will get to see the shock of her so-called teammates as she stares with cold, satisfied eyes.
She just needs to wait patiently until that happens.
Yet it somehow still hurts. And unwillingly, she caught herself stealing glances at the noisy group. Especially at one she thought would act differently. Her rival.
He laughed with the others, seemingly forgetting her existence. He just never acted that way. He always argued with her, competed against her, sent her way his grin when he cracked a case and eye rolls when she beat him to it.
Called when she was sick, noted her insights, listened to her
But apparently there was a company he liked better.
Heroine’s tension calmed a bit when the noisy group finally left. She went over her suspect’s files again, looking for a loose thread. Loneliness was her curse, but mysteries her blessings.
The man she suspected was a history professor.
He is known to lock himself in his apartment and write books, rarely interacting with his colleagues and students.
The victim was a writer who’s newly published first book became the crowd’s favor immediately.
The two have barely known each other.
But Heroine knew how deep jealousy could go. There were days she planned in her mind how she would hide the bodies of her teammates.
He had sent to someone else, the victim’s advisor- several ‘erroneous’ emails. They were clearly separated by words, but each was complete gibberish.
Still, it seemed too weird, and she never saw an ‘error’ such as that.
She had earplugs, a workspace all of her own, and the calming feeling of unveiling another secrecy.
Nothing could invade the mind,
block any worries and make someone forget about their existence like a good mystery.
She didn’t know how long she was in peace, until someone coughed from the other side of the room.
Rival stood there, with a lopsided smile, holding two cups of coffee.
“Something interesting?”
He walked to her desk and placed one cup beside her, having some awkwardness in his movements.
It was a cold coffee, with little milk and ice cubes.
He remembers-
“Oh, umm, thanks.”
Heroine cleared her throat.
“I have a hunch,”
She said, then questioned his motives.
“but it’s just a theory.”
He nodded slightly, getting the hint. But didn’t go yet.
“Well, you, want some quiet or-”
“Aren’t you going with the others?”
He blinked. Then shrugged, still having some awkwardness.
“I can’t let you be the only one who stays over. It makes me look bad.”
“Don’t blame your ugliness on me.”
“Ouch.”
He gave her a half-laugh, and sat in his place. There was silence for a little while. Heroine continued to go over emails, silently listening to Rival unpacking his equipment and playing with his pen.
“So, wanna share some ideas?”
He said it trying to sound unintrested, she noted.
Is this why you stayed?
“What’s it to you?”
“My job, actually.”
He expected a reaction for a moment.
Rival cleared his throat.
“I won’t take your credit.”
Heroine crooked an eyebrow.
“Promise. I wanna catch this bastard as much as you.”
Another’s comments may be helpful, and Rival, as cocky as he is, always kept his word.
“Come take a look.”
He came over, a little too quickly. Then leaned into her desk, right next to her chair. close
“The emails. There are several supposedly emails with errors, they make no sense and only contain one line or so, but there are too many of them.”
Heroine completely immersed herself in the mystery, trying to ignore the warmth she sensed from Rival.
“I tried to check some simple ciphering methods. The thing is, some words make sense when decoding them using straightforward letter-shuffling. But in each email there’s at least one word that never makes sense after deciphering.”
She passed him her papers, and he tilted down to examine it. For a moment, she could see his face from so close. Her gaze immediately turned to the printed emails.
“I highlighted these words. They are the only ones with special characters. If we decipher them, we might have proof that the suspect purposely wrote these emails to hide messages.”
“hmmm…”
His hand was quite close to hers, she realized, some part of her wanted to touch it. Learn exactly how warm he is.
Heroine took her coffee and drank almost all of it in one slip.
“He is not a mathematician, isn’t he? or a puzzler?”
“An historian.”
“It’d be tough to convince he made up a cipher.”
“True.”
“What did he research?”
“He had a fondness for royal families. He’d write about grand schemes and falls and such.”
“Did he write anything about Mary, queen of the scots?”
She tilted her head, trying to remember if she read about such character.
“She’s been the queen of Scotland since she was six, but also wanted England. She got imprisoned and plotted to assassinate Elizabeth the first from a cell.”
“Well, you are knowledgeable, I’ll get you a paper star later,”
Rival rolled his eyes.
“but how does it help us?”
“She communicated her plot using a cipher.”
Heroine’s eyes widened.
“What kind?”
“Quite simple, but hard to decrypt- she used letter switching like you did, but she also made special symbols to refer to people.”
“So if we try to assign to each special character a possible name-”
“We’ll reveal the message.”
She was smiling. This mystery could be solved. Her hunch might be right. Oh, the looks on her teammates’ faces will be wonderful
“This is so much better than a drinking night.”
Rival chuckled, probably amused by my rapture as always.
Only now she noticed that he was smiling brightly, too. But it looked different. It looked softer.
She cleared her throat.
“We should get into it. I made a chart of how the letters shuffle, here, take, just think of things he’d want to hide and see if the texts make sense.”
She leaned over her desk, making a list of possibilities that jumped into her mind.
“Mind if I’ll work here?”
“Sure”
It only took an hour.
Heroine eagerly showed Rival her findings. A possible interpretation of the messages, in which the victim’s name and the place of the murder had code words.
Her hand rushed to her cup, only to see that it was empty long ago.
So this was it. She looked at Rival, and and he seemed a bit saddened, too.
“You can take some credit, you know.”
He waved his hand dismissively, packing his things.
“Nah. You’d figure it out anyway.”
“Oh, absolutely.”
Heroine started packing as well, already realizing she’ll immediately miss… whatever this is that they have now.
“Still, we… we did this together.”
Rival froze for a moment, staring at her with something akin to… awe.
“It’s yours,”
He smiled, incitement returning to his features.
“the fun is enough for me.”
They started walking together towards the door.
“More fun than drinking night?”
“Much more.”
Fortunately, their cars were in the same direction. There was still one more mystery.
“Why did you stay?” “Hm? I told you-”
“Seriously. You never stay overnight. You could actually be drunk right now, with, you know…”
The more amusing parts of our team
There was silence for a few moments, growing more noticeable every second. Rival was rarely out of words.
“It’s kinda nice when it’s just us”
Heroine stopped mid-walking and stared at him. It was her turn to be speechless. Is this…? Is he really…?
“It is”
She agreed, eventually. Both of them stood on the road, blushing.
“We can… um… be tog- ”
She took a big breath.
“We can hang out the office. If you want.”
A small smile came back to Rival’s face.
“Yes. Sure. Great.”
MUCH better than drinking night
Leaving my world at your care
prompt: “I do not know what tomorrow will bring, but whatever happens, please… take care of my cat.”
She had an hour.
And she used to go to him.
Heroine stepped through the boy’s dorms as quietly and as quickly as she could. None of the guys were out, probably scared of the punishments for dismissing bed-time.
It didn’t matter to her.
In less than an hour, she would be too far away from the academy. Which was terrifying, but meant that she could forget about certain rules.
Just as she started to enjoy her little rebellious freedom, she found his dorm. The headboy’s dorm. Her sole rival.
The stakes were too high to care about whether or not she obeys bedtime.
She took out the key bunch she had in her pocket, which she was given by her homeroom teacher to help him ensure no troubles were made inside the dorms.
“The teacher’s bunch? hm, you know, acting like a complete nerd won’t help you become smarter than me.”
“Maybe. But it will help me sneak mice into your room.”
Now Rival will learn his lesson.
She searched for the right key and unlocked the door, a bit at unease from the audible sounds the lock made.
Surprisingly, the room was not entirely dark. Rival’s windows were open and the full moon shed some light inside.
He was not in his bed.
Instead, he was sprawled over his table, his neck placed on his bookand his back crooked onward. This did not seem comfortable. And it would hurt when he wakes up.
“How come no one invented a way to not be stiff after sitting…?”
“You mean like, stretching?”
“...”
“Nerd.”
She knew that this astronomy exam stressed everyone, but she didn’t imagine him like… He looked so tired. Perhaps she teased his last score too much.
and she had no time to help now.
I’m scared, too.
Heroine got closer to him, and raised her hand to his shoulder, but then froze.
He had enough to worry about, and she doesn’t know how he would react to her request- Nor what he will imagine is the reason for such a strange plea…
Right now, at least one of them got to rest.
But it wasn’t just her on the line anymore. She cannot just keep these problems to herself. And maybe, somehow, she had a feeling that he would rather know.
“Hey, Rival,”
She touched his shoulder lightly. It took a moment before there was any reaction. He groaned a bit, still resting his face above his arm. He turned to her side, opening his eyelids in a rusty way.
Heroine couldn’t help but smile at his widened, chestnut eyes.
“Heroine…?”
His voice was barely audible.
“Yes, it’s me. I came to… well…”
She took a moment to collect the right words. The stakes were high, but she couldn’t stress him more than needed.
He brought his head up and straightened himself. Looking right at her.
“What’s wrong?”
Nothing, yet. But not for long.
“I need a favor from you.”
He nodded slightly and waited. Looking more serious than she ever saw him.
She didn’t want this. She wanted to comment on his messy bed hair and banter and see his smirk and just go back to her normal life.
“I will leave the school for a while and… and I cannot take my…”
She took a big breath.
“My cat. She’ll have to stay here and she doesn’t trust anyone besides… Will you please…”
“I will take care of Nova.”
Rival tried to smile reassuringly, still looking a bit tense. But the promise meant the world to her.
Heroine smiled for a bit, too.
“Thank you, I don’t know what I… How would I leave without knowing she’s safe.”
But both of their smiles died down quickly.
“...where are you going?”
She inhaled, hoping to keep herself calm. And him, too.
“I do not know, but I have to. And… and I want to.”
He stared at her for a moment. He still looked tired, but also tense, and… and something else.
“Is it dangerous?”
Yes. I’m scared, Rival.
“I cannot tell you, Rival. This is my own problem.”
“Hero-”
“I never wanted to get you involved. But it’s… Nova, she doesn’t trust anyone besides me, and well…”
and you.
“You can get me involved in everything,”
He said, standing up and holding her gaze.
“Whatever this is, I can help. Please, I never saw you this anxious.”
He extended his hand towards hers, not quite touching, but closer than ever.
She closed the gap, holding his hand.
I’ll miss you, Rival.
Heroine then came forward, hugging him.
He was surprised, but accepting. Wrapping his arms around her himself. It felt nice and warm, and Heroine held him like she’d hold the last piece of normalcy she had.
Her clock buzzed. It was midnight.
“I need to go.”
Heroine said, not moving yet. She felt him sighning and nodding.
They slowly let go of each other, and Heroine took out the key bunch and gave it to him. For one last moment, he held her hands.
“I won't let you down. I’ll take care of her for as long as needed.”
“Thank you, Rival.”
Heroine started walking away, she opened the door, and looked back once more. Rival’s deep brown eyes were still on her. Still too fearful for her liking.
“I will come back, as soon as possible. Enjoy being the top student while you can.”
She meant it. She will return, maybe sooner than expected. She will come back and hug him again and banter and hold Nova and stress about their exams and everything will be normal.
He smiled at her, hope and playfulness in his eyes. That was how she wanted to remember him.
“Enjoy being a dork in the outside world, nerd.”
“Oh, I will.”
Heroine closed the door and went her way, walking with ease. Knowing that she will return She will come back to hug him again and banter and hold Nova and stress about their exams and everything will be normal.
knowing all of that, Heroine walked into the night with confident steps.
I was grateful for the warmth of my horse's neck. I held on to her as she galloped through the city, skillfully going around people who ran everywhere. Searching for shelter in the night, but Only worsening the chaos.
Another lighting struck a building me, causing another yell of screams.
"EVERYONE HOME NOW!"
I shouted, praying that my voice is heard to all through the thunderstorm.
"DIRECT ORDER FROM THE KING!"
"HOME NOW!"
My horse, steadfast as she was, ran through every street. Inspired by her persistence, I kept yelling to the crowd. Ignoring the thunders, the pouring rain and my rattling sword.
We kept going until the crowds dissapeared. I whispered to my horse to slow down, caressing her neck. I allowed myself to lead her to a small market stall, where we could rest from the rain.
Maybe, just maybe, we finished our part. Maybe our night now ends.
"HELP!"
Of course.
I jumped down and ran towards the voice.
"My sister!
She is stuck under the fallen tree!"
I turned and searched for a tree in my eyes, but there is no... NO
The sound of an unleashed sword stood out against the rain.
I sprut towards my horse, but my sheeth was already empty.
Of course. Someone will try to use this disaster.
This will be a long night.
I saw the blade's shine from above me, and recognized a person climbing the nearby stone building.
She balanced herself on a window, then swiftly brought herself to the next.
"Halt!"
Whether she heard me or not, she made no sign to care. So be it.
I got on my horse and stood up on her saddle. My legs shook, but I managed to hold on to grab at the side of the closet window. I tried to move legs up to it, thankful for the empty street. There was no crowd who saw me wobbling in my armor. I looked up to the stranger, she watched me from afar. I couldn't see her face well, but her head was tilted to the side in an amused way.
I let go of the window's side and started taking off my armor, leaving only a dirty shirt to fend me from the cold. Slowly but surely, I climbed up.
I was cold, clumsy and sluggish, but had a small smirk as I managed to make my progress. This troublemaker picked the wrong knight.
The roof was just above me.
I raised my hand to climb there, and a lighting struck above it. It was the closet one I saw. I would want to believe that it's power made me tremble, but nothing but my own terror caused me to lose my grip.
I fell and- No.
A hand caught my arm, and I grabbed the roof tightly. I felt myself being pulled up signed in relief as rested on concrete matter.
The woman crouched down next to me. Her hood's shadow covered her eyes, but I could see her cocky grin clearly.
"You screamed a little, sir craven."
This could go unmentioned.
I inhaled and looked right into her.
"Thank you,"
The cold was taking it's tall at my exposed skin as I tried to keep my voice confident.
"But I cannot let you steal a weapon of the king's knights.
Tell me where the sword is and we both can go home safely."
Just let us go home.
"I have no evil motive,"
She said assuredly.
"It is right there."
She turned around and I could see my sword.
It was a few meters behind her, emedded in the center of the roof.
"And it needs to stay here. This is the only way to keep the lightings at bay."
She did not sound like she was lying.
And if she had any intent to harm me, she would have already done so.
But danger wears many faces.
I started getting up.
"I am sorry, it is my role t-"
A radiant white light crossed from the sky to the roof.
By incstinct, I tackled onto the hooded woman and placed myself between her and the light. I stayed above her, careful not to let us touch and make us both defensless.
Shaking, I waited for a strike.
"We are safe, craven."
Her voice was so sweet, I could barely tell it was the same person.
"Look."
I slowly opened my eyes.
Her hood fell, and revealed a freckled face and a beaming, knowing smile. Her sparkling, green eyes gestured to the sword.
I unwillingly turned back to it.
It was magic.
The very next lighting struck it as well.
"How?"
Her smile grew brighter.
"A witch never tells."
The white lights only highlighted her eyes. She was far more mirthful than I ever thought a witch would be. Far bolder and kinder, too.
I realized that I was smiling as well.
"Also, you have an awful method to protect someone from a lighting."
She said, deciding I was too happy.
"But, thank you, you are..."
Her smile turned softer.
"Yes?"
I urged her to continue. It was my turn to smirk.
"You are not as much as a craven as you seem."
I tilted my head, still smirking.
"Try not to drool too much, my lady."
She merely rolled her eyes and I laughed. Feeling safe for the first time since the night came.
My smile died down when she started getting up.
"Thank you for your chivalry,"
The witch said, pushing dirt of her cloth.
"and the amusement, of course."
I moved aside to let her stand, yet my eyes were unable to let go of her. I did not even know her name.
"But it seems like your duty is done and mi-"
"Wait, just..."
She did.
The cold barely mattered anymore. I searched for a reason, an excuse, for her not to leave. The way her eyes stared into me made it seem like she was looking for an excuse, too.
"Tell me what is needed to protect the city,"
I said then. Praying that the glint in her eyes was not just my imagination.
"I can get more weapons, and people who will embed them wherever is required."
The witch merely stared at me. Looking for any sign of dishonesty. Then her childish grin came right back.
"If you manage to climb down without fainting, I might just cooperate, sir craven."
Her taunt only made me smile.
"Your challenge is accepted, my lady."
I gestures to the roof's end, bowing a bit. She bowed dramatically, holding her hood with both hands as a dress. Her movements were swift and gallant as she jumped to the window, and soon I started following her.
There was a long night ahead of us.I did not mind that at all.
It all feels the same
I loathe Heroine.
I loathed her ever since the first time I saw her. From the very first flashy, dumb grin she flashed at me.
I loathe the littered freckles on her cheeks and the red, long scar that went over her jawline. The dark circles under her eyes and her forever messy curly hair.
I loathe her stubbornness. How she shows up every day. How she manages to get up every time. How convinced she is that her actions truly matter. How she fights for each pathetic person, as if each and every soul was so precious to her.
I loathe the way she pretends. Pretends to be confident. Pretends to be in control. Even when she is hurt and anxious and so obviously tired. How she comforts every victim, when she can barely calm herself. How she smiles softly, even at me. As if I were that easy to fool.
I hate her for rescuing me.
She threw herself into the water. She pulled me up to the shore. She stayed until I sat steadily. Then she left. Not even giving a demand or a price or a reason.
I hate how she laughs at my jokes. As if we were friends. As if I actually make her smile.
I hate her most when it’s just the two of us. Hate how calm she gets. Hate how much she underestimates me. How calmer she gets.
And I was angry when I found her lying in the cold. Angry at her recklessness and bravery and passion, that forced her to never back down. Angry that I had to drag her out of there. That she used me for warmth. That she looked so comfortable.
I get angry when she doubts herself.
Because I know just how harder my life has been ever since she came to it. I know how kind she is in her greatest victories, I know how purposeful she is in her darkest hours, I know her better than everyone.
I was angry at her lover the moment I met her.
Angry at this feeble, laughable, fool who seemed to think she deserves Heroine. I got furious when she approached me. The idiot smiled and offered her hand.
I pushed it right away. I shoved her past me and wanted to walk away, to wait until she realizes just how useless she is to everyone. Wait until she leaves my and Heroine’s life.
But she dared to keep talking. Dared to say she understands me. Dared to say Heroine’s name.
I lashed out at her.
I yelled that she has no right to tell me about Heroine. That she’ll never know Heroine like I do. That she is just lonely and desperate enough for Heroine to pity. That she would never truly love her.
I was pulled to the ground, and saw Heroine above me.
I could barely recognize her face. There was so much loathe and hatred and anger in her stare. I never saw her like this, not when she fought the worst of villains, not in the most stressful situations and not when I was in danger.
She told me to stay away from her lover. That otherwise she will kill me. That she doesn’t want to see me ever again.
She only stopped when my eyes started to water. I couldn't tell anymore what expression she wore, but I saw her leaving. Panic rose through me, and I called her name. Begging her to stay.
She looked back at me, and for the last time, I saw her clearly. There was no malice nor pity in her eyes. Only disgust.
I loathed myself ever since.
Chess Partner
Rival had that glint in his eyes, she noticed, the one he recently has when they play.
"Things don't look too well for you, don't they?"
The perfect, still, poker-face Heroine mastered kept away any information he tried to get.
"That is what you have said last time."
He frowned a bit, but his eyes kept their shine.
"So you do have a plan..."
"Hopefully."
"Then I shouldn't eat your knight..."
"If you doing this is in my plan."
Rival leaned in and squinted at her. Sometimes, just sometimes, he was too dangerously cute. Heroine hated to admit that to herself, but the way her lips urged to smile at his sight left no doubt.
"So you DO want me to do this...!"
"You can try to interogate me all day, or actually think for yourself."
Hero almost let out a chuckle as she answered. He pouted again, adding a frown and a crooked nose. She finally let out a laugh, dropping her straight face.
"You're a pleasure to play with..."
Rival was quite for a moment, his smile was... It has never been that soft. God her heart beat so fast.
"I can say the same for you."
He blushed a little and looked away. Scratching his scalp, Heroine used the distraction to take mental notes.
He brushed his hair, which she doesn't remember him doing in any other day they met. A warmth grew in her as she hoped that she read the signs right. His clothes were nicer, too. He replaced the usual seeatshirt and sweatpants with a polo shirt and jeans. The shirt's sleeves were shorter, which was nice and...
He has a scar. Right at the back of his forearm, barely noticeable.
"That's it. I'm not eating that. It reeks with a scheme."
Hero knows that scar. And she knows that man. Villain grinned at her.
"Knew this was your plan. Scared now?"
She immediately returned her poker face.
"Plans change."
She played her move quickly and quietly. Villain took some time but made finished his turn.
"I'm gonna win this time, I can feel it."
Hero didn't respond or banter back. She didn't say anything for the next few turns, no matter what he tried to do to tease or make her laugh. He grew more worried each turn.
"Hey ummm..."
She needs to finish this and think of the next step. This was her chance to catch him once and for all.
"You good?"
Looking up, she noticed his worried expression. It was completely geniune when she smiled and reassured him.
"Yes, just got lost in thoughts for a bit."
He smiled back.
"I actually had something weighing on me too, mind if...?"
"Go ahead."
He took a big breath. That moment, she knew what was about to happen. What she wished one of them will be brave enough for. She wished for this ever since they first played her. Ever since he truly challenged her. Ever since he took his loss with a laugh and adoring eyes.
"I know we only ever meet here to play, and that I have annoying jokes and... And an annoying self..."
Even the dread she felt didn't stop her from chuckling.
"But I like... I don't know... This. Playing wit- Even when you win. So you I thought..."
The fact that she knew of his identity didn't stop the butterflies she felt. Making her wish he was who she sees now. Just a softhearted, clever guy she met at an urban chess.
"We could go get ice cream aft-, or something less childis- I mean... Well you-"
This is her chance. Even if not for love. She showed him the best smile she could master.
"How about coffee tomorrow? I know a perfect place."
A coffee shop 50 meters away from a police station. It will be easy.
He smiled shyly and let out of all the air he held in his lungs.
"Sounds perfect..."
His blushed and relieved face turned her stomach. Imagining how he'd look at her tomorrow, when he'll realize who she really is.
But now Heroine must forget about it. She'll smile and laugh and be happy, genuinely happy, that they like each other.
They were chess partners, and she can't allow him to guess her next move.
Rest With Me
"One leg after the other,"
Hero said patienly. The short walk down the dark haklway seemed to go for years. Villain would throw a snarky comment, or try and banter to lighten the atmosphere but he was so tired.
"Here..."
Hero slowly helped him sit and unlocked her door. Villain looked up to look at her, realizing he didn't actually see her for the last two hours.
She was often the serious one between them, but he never saw her face this... Sparkless.
He couldn't find any words of comfort until she crouched down and helped him up again. Villain laid on the sofa, finally resting his sore muscles but not comfortable.
"Wait here. I'll get first aid."
Villain noted how different the appartment was from his last visit. It was messier, even messiar than it usually is, with documents and pictures and notes covering the floor and walls. The biggest pile of crumbled papers laid in front of him, circling a hand made map of the base they barely got out of.
It was really important to her, wasn't it? He signed loudly. Of course he ruined everything.
"I think I know how to take care of your arm, if there is anything worse we will call someone."
Hero sat in front of him, actually seeing him for the first time in a few hours.
"...Villain?"
His despareation was probably shown all over him. Damm it. He could at least save her the guilt.
"They won't ask anything. I would not risk you."
The pillows surrounding him didn't feel soft. He shouldn't be relaxed. He didn't deserve to.
"Villain, is... You... "
She signed placed her hand over his.
"You can tell me anything."
She tried to smile at him, but neither of them were in the mood for it and it died quickly.She took her hand away to take a bandage and start working.
The silence was awful. Hero cleaning his wounds was such a torture that it felt like a cruel joke. He should end this.
"hero..."
Villain gently pushed her hand away from his cuts.
"I'll get off your back. I just... You can go rest and I promise I'll be gone tomorrow morning."
Hero froze. She stared at him speechless, lips trembling.
"Why?"
That was all she managed to say.
"I..."
I am reckless and impulsive, but I can deal with it as long as I'm the only one who suffers from the consequences.I don't want to continue to be a burden.I have risked your LIFE.
"I- just-..."
How is he supposed to say it? Or anything at his state?
"Just leave me, hero."
The silence felt even worse now.Hero stayed still, her hand griping a wet towel. When she finally got up, instea of walking away she placed her free hand over his.
"I would never leave you,"
She said then, Villain tried to fight the butterflies he felt.
"it's only fair. You would never leave me when I need you."
"I..."
"You never did."
She pressed on his hand, leaving no doubt about the sincerity in her voice.
"You came for me today, like you always did. You stood up against Supervillain."
That's what he did, perhaps, but even with that he managed to put her in danger.Hero got captured purposely, ready to go into Supervillain's lair alone to try and rescue her friends.But the moment he saw her held up, he forgot his fear of Supervillain.
By attacking him he brought the entire lair on them."I-"
"You wanted to help."
He... Well he did but...
"I would have done the same. You know that."
She would. Villain caught himself smiling. When he looked up and saw her brighter smile, he pressed joined their fingers. Being still tired and bruised and scared, he could only look at his Hero with loving eyes. Relief and relaxation visible on her face.
He wants to believe her words so bad
"I'll get you clean up, we'll rest for a bit, then think of the next step."
He nodded, hoping that she understood how much he's committed. They will heal. They will not be broken. They will save her team. Together.
Hero sat on the couch beside, getting comfortable as she leaned in and got back to bandaging. He missed her warmth in his hand but felt himself relax.
And now, finally, both of them managed to rest.
"You'll be left alone here."
Hero didn't even look back. Seemingly not hearing him as she looked for arrows on the ground.
Villain stood at the other side of the room, gripping the rusty dorknob.
"This is hopeless."
She made no indication that she heard him. Only threw a chair that stood between her and a single, glinting arrow.
She then moved next to the arrowslit, trying her bow with it. Not sparing him a glance.
"Do you have death wish? Hero, they have spears and axes and torches- This whole town will turn to ashes."
She kept watching the window. Her posture tense and her breaths shallow.
"Her-"
"Then go,"
Her voice came out as a whisper.
"I am not stopping you."
To that, he found himself to be at loss for words. Because somehow, she did. His nerves urged him to run away, but he could only stand there watching her.
He knew that running away is what he needs to do now.He knew that these bastards marching here will take no prisoners. He knew Hero will not move from where she stands, prepairing to delay the mob for as long as she breaths. Ready to give her life for a chance that the townspeople will manage to get away.
Curse her tenacious soul.
She slightly tilted her face towards him. But in moment they locked eyes she seemed almost... surprised. As if she didn't expect him to still be there.
"You do not have to stay."
She said softly, fully looking at him now. She was battle-ready, but her rich walnut eyes shone with something softer. Will this be the last time he sees them?
"No."
She frowned, studying him carefully.
"Hero, please, this is crazy. How many do you think you'll take? And for WHAT?"
He gestured outside, where panicked families ran away as fast as they could.
"For som- some FOOLS who brought hell upon themeselve?"
"What did they ever do for you? What could possibly ever make you face an army for them!? Th-"
"But you are still here, too."
Hero's voice turned almost hopeful.
Villain looked aside. He should not be here. Maybe he was the crazy one.
"Some things in life are worth protecting. Even from an army."
He didn't even look at her, but could tell that she said it with a smile.
"I know you had it rough, we both had, but can you not imagine this?"
He dared looking back at her. Her eyes stayed steady on him.
"Having something you will fight for until your last breath?"
The way she said it was filled with purpose and hope and... and maybe even...
Before he thought of it, he took out his sword and stepped closer to her. She turned to face him, a relived smile on her features. Her shoulders relaxed when he gently touched her cheek.
A first wave of rushing warriors could be seen from the arrowslit.
"I can, actually."
OSCAR ISAAC and JESSICA CHASTAIN at the 78th Venice Film Festival HBO Scenes From a Marriage red carpet
HP-like LGBT Books (not written by a TERF)
In no particular order. These are only books I’ve read and enjoyed. There are more out there and I will add them to the list as I make my way through them.
1. The Grimoire of Grave Fates created by Hanna Alkaf & Margaret Owen and written by 18 diverse authors: several non-binary characters, a trans woman, two trans boys + some f/f and m/m. This is an incredible collaboration! The students investigate the murder of a close-minded professor at their magic school.
2. Simon Snow by Rainbow Rowell: m/m. This is the most famous one. I wouldn’t mind a TV adaptation, or even movies, but that sounds less likely.
3. A Hero at the End of the World by Erin Claiborne: m/m. This one is cute and funny. It doesn’t hurt that the cover art is gorgeous.
4. Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues by HS Valley: m/m (YA, but very sexual). Simon Snow meets Sex Education, with a fake baby assignment. Simply hilarious!
5. Three Meant To Be by MN Bennet: m/m + a trans boy and an ace girl. This is a magic school adult book, focused on a teacher, though the students are all very interesting too. I adore the magic system.
6. Gallowgate by KR Alexander: queer male protagonist (MG). This one is about learning how to hunt ghosts and has horror vibes.
7. Magic University by Cecilia Tan: m/f and m/m, as the protagonist is bisexual + some trans characters (erotica). This series is surprisingly my favourite, even though I’m very picky with erotica.
8. It Ends in Fire by Andrew Shvarts: m/f and f/f, as the protagonist is bisexual + a non-binary minor character. This takes place in a heroic fantasy setting. I love the magic system.
9. Scholars and Sorcery by Eleanor Beresford: f/f (novellas). This short series is super sweet. It’s mostly about life at the magic school.
10. Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey: f/f-ish (content warning: murder mystery about a dead queer woman). If you’re looking for something darker, go for this one.
11. [French] L'éveil des sorcières by Cordélia: lesbian major character (MG). This is another cute and funny one, with a lot of diversity. It hasn’t been translated so far, but I’ll keep you updated.
12. When the Letter Comes by Sara Fox: trans girl protagonist (short story). It’s a little sad at first, but it gets better. You can read it legally and for free here.
13. DIY by John Wiswell: queerplatonic m/nb (short story). It’s about climate change and capitalism and also has disability representation. You can read it legally and for free here.
14. My Name is Magic by Xan van Rooyen: f/nb + a major queer male character. I love that this story is inspired by Finnish folklore. There’s a strong focus on protecting nature as magic is being consumed too fast.
15. Trans Wizard Harriet Porber by Chuck Tingle: trans woman protagonist (weird erotica for a laugh). This is the biggest crack I’ve ever read, as well as the biggest F*** You to transphobia.
16. This Is How We Fly by Anna Meriano: the protagonist is questioning her gender identity + some non-binary characters and some f/f (non-magical). This is a novel about muggle quidditch, a co-ed sport where “the gender that a player identifies as is considered to be that player’s gender.”
17. Brooms written by Jasmine Walls and illustrated by Teo DuVall: some f/f + a trans woman major character (graphic novel). A group of diverse women take part in unsanctioned team broom races.