#but no matter how different some of these other freds can be from each other i can look at each of them and be like :) that's my boy

[nemmet]

#i've always wanted to do a poll like this and am looking forward to the results/people's reasons for their favourite fred! #to clarify: the zombie island era is just zombie island witch's ghost alien invaders and cyber chase #the wnsd era includes the movies created in that style (legend of the vampire until samurai sword) as well as the tv show #the 2010s dtvs go from abracadabra doo until return to zombie island #the 2020s era includes the guess who series and the dtv movies from happy halloween onwards #i didn't include scoob fred or hbo velma fred since i couldn't see anyone choosing them #but power to you if they're your favourites i guess???? #my personal favourite fred is probably wnsd era but i also love mystery inc zombie island era and 2010s dtvs fred a lot! #the only fred i genuinely fully dislike is robbie amell fred. i'm sorry he's just not recogniseable as fred at all to me #but no matter how different some of these other freds can be from each other i can look at each of them and be like :) that's my boy #scooby doo #fred jones #fred scooby doo #scooby doo poll #scooby doo and nemmet too!

[chayannesegg]

something else about fit and tubbo’s relationship: it’s very special to me and they do love each other very much, but i do think this current tension was almost bound to happen not matter what. even without the tubbo homophobia. yes, tubbo self-sabotaged and made the situation current happen. yes, fit is valid to be upset at tubbo. but the unequal footing tubbo was reacting to is VERY real and something they BOTH built and something I think ONLY tubbo is fully aware of. 

while i don’t think fit and tubbo’s relationship is paternal at all, i do think it is heavily informed by the age difference. when they meet, tubbo is young, inexperienced, and reminds fit of his son. in contrast, fit is a stable older presence who knows the island secrets. their early dynamic is a bit like a mentorship: fit checks in on tubbo, tubbo asks about the island, fit decides what to tell tubbo, tubbo sees how someone with experience handles the island. 

losing the eggs only strengthens this pattern. tubbo is a mess and relies a lot on fit (and pac) to help get him through. fit is hurting too, but obviously he is not going to share all his fears with a teenager having a breakdown (that’s not how he operates, not when he can channel his emotions into something productive instead like checking on tubbo, pac, and the island). tubbo meanwhile strives to have walls as strong as fit's, but even if he won’t talk about it directly, his emotions bleed through a lot of the time anyway. so fit continues to check in on tubbo, and tubbo continues to let fit in and they grow closer because of it. we have lots of sweet moments in their friendship of tubbo letting fit see his vulnerabilities (about the eggs, with fred, about his day to day concerns) but we don’t see a lot of fit sharing his vulnerabilities. early on, fit makes it very clear to tubbo that tubbo has not earned the right to his secrets, and what he knows about the island, and what he does. fit visits tubbo and then leaves to go on secret jobs tubbo knows nothing about and can’t follow him to. tubbo doesn’t know anything about fit’s memories, or his resistance work, or his purpose. this was an initial source of tension between them, and while tubbo eventually decided to trust fit anyway, to this day, tubbo must be aware that he still hasn’t earned fit's full trust. and that fit, for all he knows tubbo’s problems, hasn’t shared many in return. the only exceptions to this that I can think of are 1) fit’s feelings for pac, which tubbo is privy to and while he teases fit, he is supportive of (which tubbo lost access to—at least in his head—when fitpac started dating, hence the acting out) and 2) fit coming to tubbo about the cats (which tubbo does NOT recognise as a moment of intimacy, that baffoon just laughs it off). i’m not blaming fit for this, as much as he loves tubbo, tubbo is an emotionally unstable teenager (turned young adult) whose bad at both secret-keeping and tact (and fit holds some very sensitive very dangerous secrets), but it definitely creates a lopsidedness in their friendship. 

especially because tubbo DOES respect this boundary of fit’s. while sometimes he pesters him for access to the office or insider info, he doesn’t seek fit’s personal business out behind his back really. meanwhile, the few times that tubbo has tried to keep something from them (kinda attempting to mirror fit’s own walls imo), fit and pac have gone behind his back to find out what it is. for example, them going to quackity’s house to investigate fred’s kidnapping without telling him, or them going and reading tubbo’s investigation room about the fed worker killings. now, i get why pac and fit—nosy and concerned as they are—do this, but it’s not great communication and it’s not a great show of trust.

all of this results in fit having a LOT of insight and access into tubbo’s life and insecurities and tubbo having comparatively little in return. and fit deciding how and when he interacts with tubbo and tubbo relying on fit to engage (lest he interrupt something secretive). they have all this restrictions and intricacies for how they interact and both of them have fed into this dynamic—it’s familiar and easy for both of them (fit isn't risking his secrets by trusting tubbo more, tubbo isn't risking rejection by asking for more)—even though their friendship has progressed and needs more balance. it worked ok for them for awhile bc they do both care for each other a lot, but it was NEVER going to be sustainable. any shift in dynamic that lengthened the distance between them would have unsteadied it.

but while tubbo is acutely aware of this tension and sensitive to it changing (and lashing out in response), fit has never really had to think about it. given the way they’ve interacted, fit’s own feelings have always been a bit separate from their friendship. it’s only now that tubbo's emotions/actions have hurt fit that fit wants his feelings acknowledged. he wants a more even dynamic, but he doesn’t realize that their friendship doesn’t feel like a “two-way street” because it never has been, almost by design. 

i don’t think tubbo has the experience or insight into fit’s emotions to realize what fit needs organically. i don't think fit can understand how his relationship with pac isolated tubbo even if he wants it to stay the same. i don’t think fit recognises the ways tubbo continues to show his trust in fit (like still inviting fit to follow him on the fred date or not investigating his secrets). i don't think tubbo understands why fit is upset with him (just that he is) or confidence to ask.

i don’t think either of them are going to properly explain their concerns to each other, if they have the words to properly explain it. all of this makes me think we’re only in for more fit & tubbo miscommunication in the coming weeks, but i DO think we still have hope. because these fools do love each other and pac (who I didn’t talk about much at all) & ramon & sunny (tho she’s also hurting) aren’t just gonna stand idly by while they continue to hurt each other.

#qsmp #qsmp fit #qsmp tubbo #listen i just think so much about them #have you considered that tubbo has let fit witness every aspect of his relationship with fred #have you considered that level of trust #this doesn't even get into how morning crew is changing as more people join that time slot #and how the fitpac date comes right at the time everything starts to change and tubbo is reacting to that as well #anyway WRITE THAT BIRTHDAY LETTER TUBBO!! #make it good!!!

[honey-minded-hivemind]

For 🌑Hidden In The Dark💉 AU, I'm imagining Reader acting almost like a best friend or sibling to the X-Teens and Brotherhood kids, and being like a child to the adult X-Men and Brotherhood. Like, surprise, you've survived this h*llhole you've been stuck in for who knows how long, and you're finally rewarded with: some random teen who treats you like a person. And they can't get enough of them.

If you have Jean and Scott, for them, finally, they get to have a younger sibling/friend! They've been alone for quite some time, and they miss the others, but when Reader is sometimes put with them, they're ready to accept whatever they're going to talk to them about. They want someone to care for, someone to love them, and this younger teen is in awe of their powers. How could they not adore them? They just wish they've met the Professor, so he wouldn't be alone, either... (Plus Storm and Wolverine and Kitty and Kurt and Evan and Rogue-)

Kitty and Kurt see a friend, if not a sibling, in Reader. Someone closer to their age, who wants to know them? AND isn't partially crazy? Sign them up! They'll gladly talk Reader's ear off, talking about what they remember of their lives before they were stuck in the facility and labs, and will encourage Reader to tell them about their life, too. Will gladly hug Reader, even fall asleep near them, if not right next to them, if they're cellmates for awhile.

Evan and Rogue are a bit more wary, but slowly accept Reader as being genuine. They can sense they're scared, and that they're wary, too. But that doesn't stop Reader from simply giving them space and asking what their boundaries are, so they don't overstep them. And the two of them are surprised, and pleased. When they can, they try to appear put together in front of Reader, wanting to be someone they look to when trouble comes around (and it comes around quite often...)

Pietro and Wanda are both teasing/cold towards Reader at first. This person has to be insane to think any of them can be friends! But- they don't stop. And when they keep being careful around them, letting them vent and get their anger out- They realize Reader still isn't leaving them alone. If anything, Reader just lets them get it out, and asks if they want some of their water. And now, the twins realize they DO have someone on their side. Sure, Reader is still, well, not as dark or crazy or powerful as some of them, but hey, they're their Reader, alright? And no one replaces them.

Todd and Fred like Reader from the get-go. Someone who is sweet and doesn't yell or scream or snap at anyone in anger? And who hardly lashes out? Is this person real? Are they an angel? It doesn't matter to them, as they're gonna be buddies with them. This is someone who isn't crazy or mean, so why not just let them be? It doesn't hurt anything, no siree.

Lance lets Reader do most of the talking between them, but he doesn't mind listening. Especially when they mention different rocks and gems and fossils they've read about before they were there. They also give him updates on the others, letting him know who all is okay and who isn't, so he worries just a little less (not by much, but he appreciates Reader doing him a solid, and he plans to repay them, somehow)

Piotr (Colossus), John (Pyro), and Gambit are pretty alright with Reader. Someone who willingly shares their food and water and lets them talk and show off? That's alright with them. While Piotr is very gentle, Pyro can be more intense, and Gambit always seem to have an idea of what he is doing. They agree (when they do get to see each other, which isn't often) that Reader is off-limits if everyone gets in a fight. No one uses them as bait, no one attacks them, none of that. And anyone who breaks that rule can face them.

Xavier is rather calm when he sees Reader. He knows their mind is troubled at times, trying to make sense of their situation and struggling to adapt, and he knows they believe a few of them aren't entirely safe to be around... but he also senses kindness in them, and a want to do the right thing, regardless of where it leaves them. So he treats them with kindness, and tries to keep them calm. If he messes with any of the guards, so they don't hurt Reader... well, perhaps a push in the right direction isn't so bad, now, is it?

Magneto views Reader as a child. They are more innocent than the rest them (and it won't be long before they're warped, too), so he sees them as someone to protect. He hardly sees them, but when he does, he promises to help them and the others, and tells them of the different feats he and the other adults have done. He knows Xavier is interested in them, and that soothes some of his fears. Once they're free, though... oh, the humans will rue the day they hurt them and caged them like animals...

Logan is protective of the kids whenever he sees them. Seeing Reader, someone new, and finding our they're gentle towards him and the others... He views them as smaller, weaker, someone he needs to be around constantly or they'll get hurt (he's sadly right). When he's able to, he curls around them, trying to make sure Reader feels safe enough to sleep, and offering warmth and safety while they rest. He knows sometimes, when he's lost in his instincts, he frightens them... But he also knows the only thing he does is act like a mama or papa animal, simply keeping its kid safe and warm from the monsters waiting to hurt them... And he promises to hurt whoever hurts them, that's a promise he intends to keep...

Victor is similar to Logan, especially when Reader offers him their own food and water, and takes their time trying to treat him as a person. He's surprised he cares, but doesn't mind after a day or so. A pup is stuck with him every now and again and doesn't shy away or cry, except when he gets mad at the guards. And when he falls into his instincts and wraps around them, keeping himself between them and the door... Oh, he adores getting to have a cub like them. They might shake a bit, or cry when he gets his claws bloody, but he makes sure to wipe or lick away the tears, offering warmth and protection against the scientists and guards. And he knows once he and his baby brother are free, they'll destroy this place, and have their vengeance, for them and their friends and the pups...

Storm is able to keep her emotions in check when Reader is around. As long as Reader and Evan are alright (they're the two kids she is shown) then she'll stay calm. But if those two are hurt... she wreaks havoc on the insolent fools who hurt her kids. If Reader is upset, she's offering them hugs and soothing words. If they tell her how everyone else is doing, she's thankful that they'd tell her. And even when she can't always be around them... she makes sure to threaten anyone who would think to harm them. Death by lightning is not a pretty way to go, after all...

Mystique tries to show her best self to Reader, but can't help when she gets desperate at times. She misses Rogue, she misses Kurt, she misses the Brotherhood, and she's kept alone, in solitary confinement most of the time. Having someone, anyone, feels good, unless it a scientist. But having Reader promise to let her know how the others are doing, promising to care for them... It earns them her protection, even if they don't know it. She'll keep them all safe, she'll avenge them all, all of the adults will, just give them enough time to set the plan and place, and then... They'll all be the ones with the power, the ones who are triumphant...

Beast is able to keep most of his sanity intact. He tries to stay on his best behavior, because that's the only way he can check on his friends and students. It's nice, having Reader around, to help check on everyone. He admits he's attached, as they also check on him. They are polite, too, which is nice to see. He... he really hopes they make it. He hopes they survive. If they can just hold in a little longer, stay strong just for a few more weeks or months, they'll be ready to break all of them out, and it'll all be over...

When Reader starts taking beatings for them, starts putting themself up to get get hurt so the others aren't, everyone gets scared. Angry. A few try to fight back. Some try to talk Reader out of it. Some even try to kill the guards, just to keep them away. But each time something happens or some false problem is brought up, Reader takes the blame or asks to be punished instead. And now Reader is used against them. If they step out of line, Reader is hurt. If they disobey, Reader is taken away. When they're left to take care of Reader after they've been beaten or experimented on, most of them just try to hold them and offer what comfort they can. If they can just stick around a little longer, if they just don't leave them, they promise they'll be safe one day. Just please, please, don't go yet... They wouldn't know what to do without them...

(Feel free to ask about this au if you want...)

#honeycomb thoughts #platonic yandere marvel #yandere platonic marvel #platonic yandere xmen #yandere x-men #platonic yandere #platonic yandere marvel x reader #platonic yandere xmen evolution #platonic yandere xmen evolution au #🌑hidden in the dark💉 au

[strandbuckley]

Friendsgiving with the F1 Grid

2.1K words | Logan Sargeant/Oscar Piastri | Logan is sad about missing Thanksgiving with his family in America. Oscar brings Thanksgiving to him

Oscar knew all of Logan’s facial expressions. It came with the territory of being together for so long and friends for even longer. He’d learned to read his boyfriend long ago when they were teammates at Prema and Logan was freshly twenty and terrified to reveal how he felt to anyone. Oscar was exceptionally good at reading people and quickly deciphered all of Logan’s minute facial expressions and could tell what the older boy was feeling in a matter of seconds. Luckily, Logan had gotten better at talking about his feelings over the years and was much more inclined to tell Oscar what was really going on instead swearing everything was fine until “fine” didn’t sound like a real word. So today, when Logan came in from the balcony where he’d been on facetime with his mom and brother, a fake smile plastered on his pretty face, Oscar knew he was upset. 

“What’s wrong baby?” he asked, placing his phone face down on the table and holding his arms open. 

Despite Logan being slightly taller and this position being mildly uncomfortable in the armed dining chair Oscar was sitting in, Logan sat sideways on his lap, resting his head against his shoulder.  

“I dunno. It’s dumb.” 

“I bet it’s not,” Oscar brushed his blonde waves away from his forehead. “Did your mom or Dalton say something to you?”

“No, it’s not that.”

“Then what is it, Loges?” 

Oscar knew what it was without asking. Today was Thanksgiving and instead of being in Florida, stuffing his face with food and arguing over football with his brother, Logan was in Abu Dhabi, getting ready for media day. 

His mom had called while they were eating breakfast, wanting to speak to Logan before all of their guests arrived for dinner. Dalton had been there too, and Oscar had leaned over to say hello before Logan was excusing himself to the balcony to talk to his family in private. Oscar knew he would be sad when he came back in. Thanksgiving was one of Logan’s favorite holidays and he missed his family desperately at this time of year. Usually his homesickness wasn’t too bad, he’d adapted over the many years he’d been away, but holidays always made him more melancholy than usual.  

During their time as teammates, Logan had described American Thanksgiving to him and Fred, telling them about the food and football on the beach with his younger cousins, when it was still warm enough to tackle each other into the water. He told them that even as adults, he and Dalton would stretch out on opposite ends of the L-shaped sectional in their basement and fall into a food coma together while they watched football and Friends reruns away from the chaos of their extended family.

“I just miss home I guess,” Logan finally said. “I never go home for Thanksgiving and usually it’s okay. For some reason this year is just hard.” 

“I’m sorry baby. I know you miss your mom and Dalton.”

“I just wish I could be there. I know I’m going home next week and that you’re coming with me, but it isn’t the same. Even Dalton said so.” 

“He misses his little brother more than he wants to admit.” 

“I miss him. He’s my best friend. Besides you.” 

“I know, baby. I wish there was something I could do to make it better.” 

“It’s okay, Osc. I know you would if you could.” 

“I can have pumpkin pie delivered tonight. Like that year at Prema. We can even watch that Christmas vacation movie you like so much.” 

“I made Dalton promise he wouldn’t watch it until I got home. So I won’t watch it without him.” 

“We can watch the grinch instead then. I just hate seeing you sad babe.” 

“I hate being sad,” Logan sighed. “I’ll get over it. I guess it just hurts more that I’m the only American on the grid. So, no one else gets it. I know it’s been a long season, and everyone misses their families by now. It’s just different for me. No one else even celebrates Thanksgiving. Except for Lance but that doesn’t count.” 

Oscar chuckled and kissed his shoulder, “I’ll do whatever I can to make today better.” 

“Can you get me out of media? That would help a lot.” 

As if on cue, Oscar’s alarm to head downstairs went off.

“No can do, baby. At least we have the press conference together.” 

***** 

When Lando plopped down on the couch in Oscar’s driver’s room, the younger man didn’t even look up, too busy staring at his phone screen with furrowed brows. 

“Earth to Oscar,” Lando said, waving a hand in front of his eyes. “What’s got you so focused?” 

“I’m trying to figure out Thanksgiving.” 

“Why?” 

“Thanksgiving is today, and Logan is really homesick. I wanted to do something special for him.” 

“What if we throw him a Thanksgiving dinner?” Lando pondered. 

“How in the hell are we going to do that? Americans spend days prepping for this and we’ve got,” Oscar glanced down at his watch. “Six hours.” 

“You do realize I’m friends with Max Verstappen, right? We can make anything happen.” 

“Would he do that?” 

“If we asked him, yeah. He may look like a grump, but he’s got a soft spot for the rookies. Lewis too. I’m sure with their help we could pull something together. I could ask George to get all of the drivers that are available. We could make a fake GPDA meeting or something and have the food set up there.” 

“Where are we going to get that much food on this short notice?” 

“Worry not Piastri, the Mclaren catering team loves me.” 

“You’re seriously going to do all of this? I was just going to order pumpkin pie to our hotel and maybe blow him to make him feel better.” 

“You’re my friend Oscar and so is Logan. Plus, he looks like a kicked puppy when he’s sad and I really don’t like it.” 

Lando did have a point there. 

“We’re gonna throw your boyfriend a Thanksgiving dinner so kickass that he’ll be the one blowing you.”

“Thanks for looking out for my sex life,” Oscar chuckled. 

“I do what I can. But remember we share a wall and I already know what your name is. I don’t need to hear Logan moaning it all night.” 

“Noted.” 

*****

From: George Russel  

To: GPDA  

“Hello everyone. I’m sorry for the late notice but there will be a mandatory GPDA meeting tonight at 1830 in the FIA building on track. We’ll be discussing matters unresolved from this season and looking ahead to 2024. Please like this message to indicate you have seen it and will be attending. See you then.” 

Liked by Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, Charles Leclerc, Alex Albon, and 16 others 

“Why do you think they called a last-minute meeting?” Logan asked as they trekked through the dark paddock to the FIA building. 

“Someone probably had some petty bullshit that they waited until the last race of the season to make a stink about just to be a dick.” 

“You’re probably right.” 

“I’m sorry this is cutting into our pumpkin pie and Christmas movie time,” Oscar said, bumping their shoulders together. “I’ll make it up to you when we get back. Maybe this won’t last too long.” 

“It’s okay Osc.Thank you for trying to cheer me up today. It means a lot.” 

“Hey,” Oscar stopped him and grabbed him by the shoulders, holding him gently. “You’re my favorite person on the planet. I would do anything to see you smile.” 

Logan smiled, tucking his head shyly.  

“There it is,” Oscar teased, tilting his head up to press a quick kiss to his lips. “Now come on, you know how George gets when people are late.” 

They climbed the stairs to the entrance and swiped their driver badges to enter the front doors. Oscar led the way down the hallway to the conference room and pushed open the doors.  

Logan gasped when he saw, instead of twenty chairs placed neatly in rows and George Russel in front of a podium, eighteen other drivers looking at him with the biggest grins he’d ever seen, and long tables absolutely loaded with food. 

“Happy Thanksgiving!” Lando cheered as he bounded across the room like an over excited puppy to hug him. 

“What?” Logan found himself at a loss for words as he let Lando crush his ribs. 

“Oscar said you were sad that you couldn’t be home for Thanksgiving, so we brought Thanksgiving to you,” he explained, pulling away to let him breathe. “Max, Lewis, and George helped us organize and I bribed the Mclaren catering team with golf lessons.” 

“From Carlos I hope,” Max teased, appearing over Lando’s shoulder. 

“Rude. But yes, from Carlos.” 

Max elbowed Lando out of the way and ruffled Logan’s hair, “Happy Thanksgiving Logan.” 

“Thank you, Max. And thank you for helping, but how did you pull this off?” 

Max shrugged, “Three-time world champion and seven-time world champion. It’s pretty easy to get shit done with that many trophies.” 

Lewis appeared next, pulling him into a side hug and giving him a friendly kiss on the temple, “You have some people who really love you brother. You’re lucky.” 

“Yeah I am.” 

Somehow, Logan found himself seated between Alex and Yuki, plates piled high with food that definitely didn’t fit into their diet plans, letting Yuki chatter away and ask him a million questions about Thanksgiving cuisine. No, he didn't know why there were marshmallows on the sweet potatoes. Yes, he thought it was good. Yes, his mom makes it better than this. 

It wasn’t quite the same as beach football with his cousins and couch naps with Dalton, but it was pretty damn good.  

At some point, Lewis made them all go around and say what they were thankful for, which Logan usually found cringy and embarrassing but found himself getting a little choked up tonight. He felt tears well up as Max said he was thankful for his cats and sugar free Red Bull but then sat down and squeezed Daniel’s hand discreetly between their chairs. He had to hold back his tears when it was his turn and he stood and looked around the room. 

“I’m thankful to be here,” he said honestly. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to get a season in F1 and race alongside all of you.” 

He sat down quickly before the tears could start flowing properly and he felt a hand resting on his knee. He looked over at Alex who was smiling at him sincerely. 

“It won’t be your last,” he whispered. 

“I really hope so.” 

Eventually the gathering devolved into chaos when Valtteri suggested drinking games and he had to be reminded that they had free practice sessions the next day and needed to be getting to bed. 

“What are we going to do with all of this extra food?” Logan asked. 

They had made a large dent in the spread, twenty grown men who didn’t often get to eat unrestricted could really put away some food, but there was still more left that Logan didn’t want to waste.  

“Don’t worry,” George assured him. “Lewis found a women and children’s shelter nearby and the team is going to drop all of this off with them first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Good.” 

Oscar appeared behind him, squeezing his shoulders gently. 

“Are you ready to go baby? I think you’re gonna have to roll me back to the hotel.” 

Logan chuckled and leaned back into his warmth, “Yeah let's go. Sleep is calling me.” 

They said their goodbyes quickly, all the other drivers on a similar page and just as eager to get home and sleep as they were.  

They both took a quick shower, taking advantage of the dual shower heads to be efficient and collapsed into bed. Logan’s limbs felt heavy, but he rolled over anyway, fitting his head into the bend of Oscar’s hip where he was propped against the headboard, flipping through TV channels. He stopped when he found what he was looking for and relaxed into the plush mattress as the opening titles of How the Grinch Stole Christmas rolled across the screen. 

“Thank you for today, Oscar,” Logan said as they watched Cindy Lou Who interview the citizens of Whoville. “It was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.” 

“I told you; I’d do anything to see you smile.” 

“You make me smile.” 

“I’m glad.” 

Logan turned his head slightly to press a kiss to the thin skin of Oscar’s inner thigh. 

“I love you Osc.” 

“I love you more. Happy Thanksgiving Loges.” 

“Happy Thanksgiving.” 

#formula 1 #formula 1 rpf #f1 #logan sargeant #oscar piastri #loscar #my works #formula 1 fic #logan sargeant fanfiction #oscar piastri fanfiction #loscar fanfiction

[heartfullofleeches]

The quality of meat plus the loneliness thing really has me thinking about the monster reader having eating problems because they don't want to hurt humans, and Evan helping them out, gelling them they're not a monster for doing so.

(tw: cannibalism, injury, light gore)

Some animals are harder for you to digest that others. You aren't sure how, considering there aren't any biological books on your species, but meals a regular human can enjoy take just a little longer for you to swallow. Your teeth are sharp, but it's your saliva that really breaks down your food.

An upside for you is that you can draw sustenance from any form of life, which is why a majority of your diet was made of flowers. Easy to swallow, nearly endless in supply, and best or all - nobody got hurt.

There was one other thing you could eat without issue; a good source of nutrition too, yet the most costly meal of all. For some reason, human flesh was the ideal food for your kind. It had the fastest digestive time of twenty seconds, and kept you full for days. In the past, it was all you could eat; preying on unsuspecting wanderers alone at night and feasting on one body for days. It was also one of the darkness periods of your life.

Even before gaining more humanity after meeting your husband; you always had regrets. The fear locked in their dead eyes; the screams they bellowed before their demise. They haunted your dreams even now. A part of you still hungered for another taste, a lust you kept under lock and key. You didn't want to go back to those times. No matter how hard it was some days.

-

At the dinner table; your loving husband at your side, you sat down for yet another meal. For you, a few strips of raw steak and a vase of rises; and him a meal of the same cut only the meat had been cooked to a proper temperature and some vegetables. Evan always tried his hardest to accommodate life for you; his poor spouse. He hated to see you struggle and wanted to make sure you ate enough; no limits too great for him.

You take a flower from the vase and bring it to your neck, running your second tongue over its petals. They tasted just like they would to a normal human being, albeit slightly sweeter. How you longed for something different.

"How was your day, honey?"

His words snap you from the melancholic trance you had found yourself in without even realizing.

"Hm? Oh.. good.. good.. Just took care of a few errands in town. How was yours?"

Evan slumps back in his seat. He could tell something was wrong, but didn't want to be a bother. He shoves a piece of cauliflower in his mouth, wiping his lips with his napkin before he sneaks.

"Same old day of work. Fred's still out from a surgery, so I'm stick with his shit still, but for now.. I'm just glad to be home with you."

He puts his hand on the table, slipping it near you, but you don't seem to notice or care. You pick up a portion of the steak and put it in your mouth; fluids clung to your fingers. It was better raw. Cooked meat just tasted like leather unless fried, but the grease was too much. You grimace as you chew; your saliva at work to break it down further. The piece you had now was slimy and bland despite the seasons Evan had put on it; its texture coating every each of your mouth.

You swallow, the food hitting your stomach with little satisfaction. You pick up another; forcing yourself to devour it. It tasted worse than the last bite. Your mind begins to dwindle on the aspects of the day to try and ignore the flavor. The sun was bright, the weather was pleasant, the people were... nice.

Your stomach growls. You pick yourself up from the table, storming out the room and into the living room where you collapsed on the couch.

"Y/n?!"

Evan chases after you; his heart breaking as you sob into the decorative pillows. You hold onto one of them, clutching it over your stomach. The smiles of the people you've met through the day flash in your mind; their exposed skin a haunting memory - sending another stabbing pain to your abdomen.

"That's not me.. I'm not that thing anymore."

Evan falls to the floor beside the couch; his own tears brewing as you wail out. He tries to take you in his arms, but you shove him away.

"Stay away! I don’t want to hurt you.."

He shakes his head. "No.. no, honey. You've never done anything that would hurt me. It's okay.."

"It hurts... I'm so hungry.."

He swallows hard. He knew exactly what you meant now. Even if you tried to hide it, the smell of blood lingered in the warehouse were he found you. Scouting the area, he even found remains of your past victims; but he didn't care. Even with that knowledge; proof of your crimes, you would always be his Y/n. He vowed to be by your side and knew the dangers of his choices; ready to step up to bat whenever the time came.

"Y/n.. It's okay."

You hear the rustle of his sleeve; his palm against your cheek.

"Eat me."

You lift your head from the pillow. "W...what?"

He brushes strays hairs from your face with a warm smile. "Take a bite out of me. I don’t mind."

"No.. I can't-"

"You can. You aren't a monster, Y/n. You're the love of my life and you're in pain. There's nothing I wouldn't do to take it away."

Evan gets up, heading into the kitchen and returning as quickly as he could. He sits on the edge of the couch, slicing his forearm open with the kitchen knife in hand. He didn't even brace himself for it; knowing this is what he had to to do bring you peace. The blood flows in thick gushes; a few dots splattering on your face from the force and speed of his cut.

The smell is overwhelming. Against better judgment; the voice in your head that screamed "no", you ran your tongue over the wound. Evan hisses as your saliva touches the cut. It stung similarly to putting alcohol on an open wound. You pause at his sign of discomfort, but he merely rubs your head as a silent single to continue.

You bite down; your saliva corroding the skin within twenty seconds. You tear off the rotted flesh and devour it like a starved beast. The pain is white hot at first; numbed down by some agent in your drool. In a sick way, it was almost comforting to be feasted on by you. Being able to provide for you in a way unlike any other. Evan's arm trembles, but he stays strong for you; kisses your forehead as he feels tears fall on his lap.

"Everything's okay, Y/n. This is what your body needs for survive. You're no different from any other human eating something lower in the food chain. From now on, don't be afraid to ask me for this, and if you really need it, I don’t mind getting you a fresh supply from any nosy neighbors."

#yandere #yandere x reader #yandere scenarios #yandere imagines #yandere oc #yandere x you #male yandere #yandere insert #yandere story #tw yandere #tw body horror #tw cannibalism #tw injury

[satansapostle6]

folie à deux

Sometimes poison is sweet.

Selina Romanov and Draco Malfoy met when they were only eleven years old. The two of them have always shared an intense bond, always having gravitated towards one another. But the question still remains, as the years pass by, is their connection one of passion, or delusion?

Warnings: Contains Mature Themes/Language, Themes Such As Sexual Content, Violence, Abuse, Sexual Assault, Eating Disorders

Nineteen.

It was still nonstop partying for Selina as her fourth year at Hogwarts continued. It seemed Kelly and Blaise were more determined to fry their brains with adrenaline and extravagance than usual. All of Slytherin's elite were prone to indulgent, addictive behavior, but they weren't addicted to anything that was treatable. Everyone Selina knew was just addicted to excitement.

Kelly Cross and Blaise Zabini both reveled in the luxurious lifestyles they lived as part of Slytherin's court. Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson commanded the attention of their entire school with their antics, humiliation he damned, knowing they'd rather have their dirty laundry out on display than be passed over. 

Selina and Jasper knew that they both had different places in all of it. Jasper was so enamored with Selina, he hardly recognized anyone else, including himself, while Selina went insane any time she processed anything from the outside world. 

The two of them worked very interestingly together, because while they both had strong beliefs in individuality, they both utilized their individuality very differently.

  "I don't see what the big deal is," Selina remarked passively as she walked down the steps of the stands where they were going to be watching the first of three tasks in the Triwizard Tournament.

  "You don't see what the big deal is?" Jasper questioned in disbelief. "You're drunk."

  "Not drunk, tipsy, at best," she provided with disappointment in her tone. "I barely drank, and I can hold my liquor."

  "You're at a school event," he argued.

  "Exactly!" she pointed out. "I'm not the only one, and I'm definitely not the worst one."

  "You sound like Fred," Jasper groaned. 

  "Everyone loves Fred," Selina pointed out. 

  "Fred also blows up toilets," Jasper reasoned with a dry smile.

Selina sat beside Amana and Pansy as they waited for the First Task to begin, eager to see bloodshed. 

  "Want any Firewhisky?" Pansy called to her.

  "Had some cognac with Fred and George," she responded. "Mum says no, so I suppose I'm all set for today."

  "How moderate of you," Amana said with a smile.

It seemed almost everyone at least nearly of age at Hogwarts was drinking today, heavily. It was the start of the event of the century. As students from Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang alike all watched as the four champions each took on a dragon in their objective to capture a single golden egg, the yelling and cheering was like nothing Selina had ever heard before.

This wasn't like any Quidditch game she'd ever been to, or played in. She watched as Cedric Diggory, the captain of the Hufflepuff team, took on a Swedish Short-Snout, just about everyone in their school cheering for him. 

Selina inquisitively watched Cedric evade the creature with curiosity, wondering if their fantastical perception of him was similar to the way they perceived her, as Slytherin's 'star Chaser' and Amana Tesfaye's best friend. She eventually came to the disturbing conclusion that she and Cedric Diggory certainly had one that in common; they had both done everything, and nothing, to earn everyone's praise. 

She then observed that, although she and Draco Malfoy definitely did not have the same sort of character, that didn't seem to matter to anyone on the outside. Draco and Selina, although being vastly different people, were still cut from the same lush, exorbitant cloth. As she watched Draco tripping a third-year Gryffindor boy as Crabbe and Goyle laughed brutishly, she became increasingly aware of the other side of how people saw her. 

Sometimes, it didn't matter who she really was. Sometimes, all that mattered was what people saw, whether it was something she presented on her own, or something that was only a part of their perception. 

  "Hey. Something wrong?" 

  "Hmm?"

A bit startled, Selina looked up at Jasper, who was sitting in the seat beside her. 

  "No," she said quickly, "Why?"

  "No reason," Jasper assured her in his soft Irish accent.

  "What is it?" she wondered, not understanding the reason behind his gaze. 

  He just smiled, already forgetting his worries as he neatly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Nothing. Just... admiring, is all."

It hit her like a train. He looked at her the same way he looked at Freya when he played with her, as if she were the most pure, precious thing on earth. 

Selina knew she had always liked Jasper simply because his perception of her perfectly matched her own; she didn't feel the need to translate herself to him the way she did with others. With him, she felt understood, like she could be at her most vulnerable with him. 

It hurt Selina a bit that even after all the things she'd done, all the insane and reckless things she'd done that she'd had no business doing at thirteen and fourteen, Jasper still saw the same person he'd seen the day he met. And of course he did. He was willing to put up with Draco Malfoy to be with her; he loved her. 

  "Jas, I..." she cut herself off, deciding that there was only one thing she had to say. "I love you," she reminded him, hoping he knew just how much. 

  "I love you too," he said happily, as if waiting for her to say it. 

He smiled and leaned in for a kiss, a sweet peck on the lips before they both smiled with satisfaction and returned to watching the first task with their friends. Selina eventually joined in on Amana's side conversation with Blaise, the three of them commentating on Viktor Krum's boarish performance against the Chinese Firevall he'd been assigned. 

Draco Malfoy had been sitting between Crabbe and Pansy, and just happened to glance over at the two of them at that moment. He watched as their lips met and they shared a beautiful smile together as if no one else was there. He scoffed in disgust, not understanding Selina's affection for Jasper, someone he felt was decidedly inferior, and ultimately a complete and utter waste of time for her. 

Tiring of seeing her and Jasper Carroll parading about together, he turned to his own girlfriend, who was returning an open flask to Daphne Greengrass in a seat in the row below them, laughing as Firewhisky dribbled down her chin. Making a face as he ignored the unflattering moment, Draco pulled Pansy's face toward him, his hand holding her face almost in captivity as he kissed her. 

Selina and Blaise were laughing at something Jasper had said, and for a moment, she saw Draco. And then, she didn't see Draco, because of the way he aggressively pulled Pansy in toward him. She was a bit startled, but eventually giggled and went along with it. This kiss was nothing like the kiss Selina had shared with Jasper. This kiss was less of a kiss, and more so a declaration of war. 

Draco Malfoy was violently smashing his face against Pansy's, a whole mess of tongue involved that frankly no one wanted anything to do with, even Daphne, who seemed envious of her friend. Selina was disgusted as she watched Draco desperately trying to bite, or bite off, his girlfriend's bottom lip. She was alarmed at the sight, but also concerned that she'd once been kissed by the same person. 

Quickly disregarding the disturbing display, Selina did her best to discard it completely from her memory, cheering loudly for Harry with Amana as he went up against arguably the most aggressive of the dragons, the Hungarian Horntail. By the end of the first task, Selina had completely sobered up, and was headed back to the Slytherin common room with everyone else.

  "Hey!"

One of Jasper's friends interrupted as Selina and Blaise stopped.

  "You two go ahead," Jasper said, planting a quick kiss atop Selina's head, "I'll catch up."

Selina and Blaise turned toward the castle, just as they saw Daphne struggling to keep Pansy's hair out of her own vomit as she nearly collapsed into a bush. 

  "Oh. I'd better go help," Blaise said very reluctantly as he tentatively came to Daphne's aid.

  "I'd better go far away," Selina decided as she turned away.

  "Going somewhere?" 

  She let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through her hair. "What is it, Draco?" she questioned reluctantly.

  "What are you, too good to talk to me now?" he questioned.

She just looked at him, flabbergasted, as he looked her in the eyes, expecting a genuine response. 

  "I talked to you five minutes ago," she said flatly.

  "Yeah; you said 'excuse me'," he huffed.

  "Yeah. I was being polite," her eyes widened with exasperation, "Maybe consider it once in a while."

  "No. No, you weren't being 'polite'," Draco insisted, an air of entitlement about him, "You were icing me out."

  "So what if I was?" she demanded. "You tried to get with me, and I have a boyfriend."

  "Please, you're being completely ridiculous," he complained, "Why would I ever try to snog you? I have Pansy for that."

  "Yeah, we've noticed," Selina pointed out, "Thanks."

  "Oh. I see what it is," he laughed, a wide grin spreading across his features, "Yeah, I saw the way you looked at us, you felt a little jealous."

  "'Jealous'?" she repeated. "That's what we're going with? You were sucking her teeth while Crabbe fixed your hair, and I was jealous?"

  "Come on. It's okay, Sel," Draco chuckled, looking left and right to ensure that no one was around, "We've always had a little thing between us. Everyone knows it, it's nothing to be ashamed of. You're cute."

  "I'm cute?" Selina stared. "I've had pictures taken up my skirt on the way to Charms."

  "And I bought two of them," Draco agreed diplomatically.

She scoffed at his immaturity. Draco couldn't stand to be humiliated, especially when his audience was himself. 

  "Okay. I don't see any point in continuing this conversation, so I'm going to leave," she concluded. 

Draco stopped her, jumping in front of her before she could try to head back towards the castle with everyone else. 

  "You're so predictable, you know," he added, mocking her for the sole purpose of eliciting an emotional response of any kind. "You tease me, and then you play innocent. But don't worry. I think I kind of like this little game we play," he smirked. 

Selina would have punched him if she knew for certain he wouldn't enjoy it.

  "This... This thing we have..." he expressed. "It's the only thing that really makes me feel alive."

She paused for a moment, regathering her composure as she realized this interaction wasn't quite as cut and dry as she thought. 

  "I don't want to stop this, Selina," he said her whole name. "You're fun. You keep me guessing. I'd tell you to break up with Carroll, but I kind of like watching you pretend he feels like me when you kiss him."

  "Listen, Draco, I'm not who I was when I kissed you that night," Selina admitted, a mixture of feelings toward the fact. "That person... That person was reckless, and naive. That person really thought that you actually loved me, one way or another."

Draco stopped, realizing that the 'game' had been ruined for him. 

  "I don't know if you realize this, but I've only ever regretted being there for you to try and kiss," she snapped. "Giving you the benefit of the doubt has done nothing but bite me in the arse. So yes, perhaps I am 'icing you out'."

Selina was too busy storming off to realize that, not ten feet behind her, Fred had heard what she had hoped was only a snippet of the conversation. 

  "What are you looking at, Weasley?"

Draco, furious and glaring at him as he noticed him, disappeared towards the castle, fuming. Selina looked between Draco and Fred, not knowing at all how to respond to the situation. Fred's face was absent of color as he took in everything he heard. 

  "You and Malfoy?" Fred Weasley asked, a look of disgust in his eyes for the first time.

  Selina blinked back tears, horrified. "How much of that did you hear?"

  "Enough!" he exclaimed. "Seriously, Selina, you and Malfoy?! I thought that was just a rumor!"

  "You thought what was just a rumor?!"she cried.

  "You know what!" he gasped. "You kissed him?!"

Selina trembled as tears fell. 

  "I didn't kiss him!" she pleaded with him. "He kissed me, and I stopped him. Jasper knows. We got past it."

  "Clearly you didn't," Fred pointed out.

  "What you heard... That was just Draco being a prick, he does this just to torture me—"

  "He does this, just to fuck with you?" he demanded. "Selina, that's fucked..."

  "You don't know him," she sighed, "He's just a fucking arsehole, there's nothing to it."

  "Clearly there is," he reminded her. "There's obviously something going on between the two of you."

  "No, there isn't, because I made myself very clear to him," Selina reasoned. "He knows I want nothing to do with him."

  "No, he doesn't."

  "Fred," she sighed, exhausted by her own panic, "I told him—"

  "It doesn't matter, Selina," he breathed, a defeated look in his eyes.

Something told her he wasn't just addressing her own situation.

  "If he even thinks he has a chance, he's going to want to take it. Believe me."

  "I didn't want this," she protested, "I never asked him to be anything other than a friend. It's not my problem if he won't accept that."

  "Yes, it is," Fred told her, a faint darkness behind his eyes. "You know it is."

She didn't say anything for a moment.

  "You know I hate Malfoy just as much as the next bloke," he pointed out, "But even I can see it. He fancies you."

  "Please. Draco doesn't 'fancy' anyone," Selina insisted, "This is all just some power play to him."

  "Yeah, it is," Fred nodded in agreement, "But that doesn't mean he doesn't feel something for you, whatever that might be. Everyone knows it; you're his only weakness. He doesn't like it, but he can't keep away, either."

  "You think Draco Malfoy's in love? With me?" she scoffed.

  "Well, it's definitely not with Pansy Parkinson," he remarked. "And you're friends with both of them. That's just a disaster waiting to happen."

  "I can handle it myself," she told him.

  "For your sake. I hope that's true."

Glancing awkwardly at him once more, Selina turned away and left, no longer having anything much to say. On her way back to the common room, Selina came upon Amana and Pansy in the corridor, accompanied by Daphne, who was whispering something as Elspeth and her friends, two Ravenclaw girls, passed by. 

  "I heard from Bulstrode Thomas Gray stood her up at The Three Broomsticks," Daphne barely whispered as Pansy cackled with laughter.

  "Of course he did!"

Selina looked at Elspeth, who seemed embarrassed as she walked past them with her head lowered, whether she'd heard Daphne or not. Selina would have felt sorry for her if she hadn't been so cruel before. Selina knew that they'd had a falling out for a reason. 

  "Selina!" Pansy Parkinson yelled, immediately catching her attention.

Selina approached the girls, wondering what they were up to.

  "Come look at Lavender Brown's top. It's awful!" Pansy giggled, almost as if she were trying to be heard.

Lavender looked over at the girls in humiliation, quickly closing her sweater over her top as she ran off.

  "She looked like she was trying to smuggle two slugs into the castle," Daphne laughed.

  "Oh my God, you're bloody brilliant!" Pansy chuckled.

  "I count on her being Longbottom's date to The Three Broomsticks this weekend," she muttered.

There was a celebration for the Tournament happening that weekend.

  "Oh yeah? Who are you going with?" Amana asked her.

  "Miles has asked me," she told them, a haughty pride to her announcement.

  "Really?" Pansy questioned in surprise. "Draco still hasn't asked me. Or even mentioned it."

Selina remained silent.

  "Really?" Daphne wondered. "But you're together."

  "That's what I was thinking!" Pansy agreed. 

No longer comfortable standing around while they talked, Selina decided she would retire to the dorms after all.

  "I'll catch up with you lot later," she decided.

They all waved to her without a second thought as she left for the dungeons. As Selina entered the dimly lit common room, she found that outside her dormitory, Blaise Zabini was there, waiting for her. 

  "Blaise?" Selina questioned in surprise.

He had been waiting for her, seeming very curious about something. 

  "Selina," he said finally, looking around to make sure no one was listening in, "There you are."

  "What is it?" she questioned, not understanding.

  "You and Draco. Tell me everything," he demanded, not bothering to be polite.

Selina's eyes widened slightly as she realized how much he must've known.

  "Who told you—"

  "Inside," Blaise hissed, following as she quickly led him into her dorm room.

Selina quickly closed the door, alarmed by how much Blaise seemed to know.

  "What do you know about that?" she demanded.

  He rolled his eyes at her, expecting her to understand by now. "You realize Draco will tell

me just about anything, right? Especially after a little Firewhisky."

  "What the hell did he tell you?!" she demanded in horror.

  "Enough," Blaise promised her, "I just don't know how much of it is true-true, and how much of it is Draco-true."

  "Nothing happened. He tried to kiss me at the Valentine's Day party, and we've fought about it a lot," she admitted. "I think he tried to convince me to be with him."

Blaise seemed incredibly perturbed by the idea. 

  "Well, whatever happened, you've got a problem on your hands," he informed her. 

  "Why?" Selina asked him. "Is he going to break up with Pansy?" she realized, horrified.

  "No, it's worse; he isn't," Blaise told her. 

  "I'm not sure I follow," she admitted.

  "Listen. If Draco and Pansy stay together, even with all this, it'll become a mess we'll all have to deal with," he reasoned. "If those two keep going at the same rate, eventually, something will slip, and our entire social ecosystem will fall apart. We'll all be fucked, specifically you."

  "Thanks, Blaise," Selina frowned.

  "I'm serious. You have to fix this," he sighed, "The bigger the argument Draco and Pansy have, the more they tend to implicate other people. And I'm at the top of that list!" he exclaimed.

  "Why do you care so much?" Selina demanded, not understanding his agenda. "You don't care about people, you care about gossip. You've never shown this much interest in anything that has anything to do with other people."

  "Never mind why," Blaise snapped, "Just fix this!"

  "I don't know that I can!" she pointed out in frustration. "Draco's Draco. If he wants to be insane, there's nothing any of us could do to stop him," she stated.

Blaise groaned in frustration, leaving the room and practically slamming the door behind him as he left. Glad he was at least done, Selina sat down on her bed where her cat was resting on her pillow. Why everyone seemed to have something to do with whatever was happening at any given time between her and Draco, she had no idea. 

*****

Upon waking up the next day, Selina found she was in no mood to fake her way through polite conversations. Luckily, it was Igor Karkaroff, the Durmstrang headmaster who stopped her in the hall on the way to class that morning.

  "You. Selina Romanov," the dark-haired man barked her down. 

Selina was automatically irritated upon hearing her name so early in the day. 

  "Yes, sir?" she questioned. 

  "You," Karkaroff repeated, pulling her aside, away from the other students, "Come here."

Selina awkwardly followed him to a more secluded corner, partially concealed by a stone pillar. 

  "Yes?" she asked him again, wanting to leave as soon as possible.

  "You are the youngest of the Romanovs, correct?" Igor Karkaroff asked her, his arms crossed.

Selina did her best not to gauge her brain out through her ears.

  "Yes, I am."

  "You know, many generations of Romanovs attended the Durmstrang Institute," he informed her.

She silently pleaded that that wasn't all he wanted to tell her.

  "Yes, that's true," she said patiently.

  "Your grandfather was the first of the Romanovs not to attend Durmstrang. He and your father would have done well at my school," Karkaroff said in his thick accent.

Selina just listened as he spoke.

  "I have heard great things about you from the staff of Hogwarts," the man continued. "Even Professor Snape speaks highly of you. I would say that I am regretful you aren't of age put your name in the goblet of fire, but I'd be lying if I didn't tell you I'm very glad Krum won't have to compete against a witch like yourself."

  "I see," she followed along, not actually seeing what the point of the conversation was.

  "You know, Selina Romanova, I believe you, too, would have done very well for yourself at the Durmstrang Institute," he thought.

  "Thank you," Selina nodded respectfully.

  "Miss Romanova... I may not be able to indefinitely have you under my tutelage, but I believe you could benefit from lessons different from your current curriculum," Karkaroff explained.

Selina eyed him curiously, wondering where this idea had come from.

  "What are you asking me?" 

  "I believe that I have much to teach to someone like you," he simplified, beady eyes staring down at her for a response, "Without Dumbledore having any part in it, of course."

She immediately knew what the High Master was offering, and decided she wanted no part in it whatsoever.

  "I'm sorry. I don't think so," she replied politely, "If you'll excuse me, I've got to get to class. 

  "I understand. Good day to you, Miss Romanova," he nodded. "You know where to find me if you change your mind, yes?"

Selina just nodded quickly before heading off to class. Draco and Pansy had been lurking about in the hall, half watching as they held hands, judging everyone together as a couple. 

  "Sel. What did Karkaroff want?" Draco asked her once he disappeared.

Selina looked at him, taking a moment to decide whether or not she felt like answering.

  "I don't know, he said he wanted to teach me," she relayed, "Without Dumbledore knowing. So I said 'no'."

  "Why?" Draco scoffed. "It's Igor Karkaroff, he probably would've taught you all kinds of dark magic."

  "You should've said yes," Pansy agreed. 

  "I'd rather not get on Dumbledore's radar," Selina said as they all walked to class. 

  "To hell with Dumbledore," Pansy rolled her eyes, "If you can become an even more powerful witch, you should do it."

  "Hmm," Selina murmured, not having much to offer. 

She was still completely distracted, by more than just Karkaroff's lack of respect for authority. 

*****

Defense Against the Dark Arts was its own headache for Selina. She sat down alone after getting to class early, not feeling she had much to say to anyone. She had been with Jasper earlier in the morning, but that was about it. Selina sat closer to the front, in Professor Moody's line of fire, hoping that would make it easier for her to avoid anyone she normally spoke to. But this wasn't the case.

To her dismay, Draco Malfoy decided to sit down in the empty seat beside her upon entering the room, Crabbe and Goyle taking the seats behind them. Pansy sat in the back of the classroom with Daphne, no doubt quietly discussing something to do with Draco. Selina looked up at him as he sat next to her, calmly rubbing the ring on his finger that matched hers. She could feel the cool metal on her finger warming slightly against her skin.

  "What do you want?" she asked him softly, not in the mood for an aggressive spat.

  "...To sit down," the blond replied, choosing to play his own game. "What's the matter with you?"

  "Nothing," she said coldly, facing forward as Alastor Moody began his eccentric and fairly horrifying lesson.

  "Are you angry?" Draco questioned slyly, studying her as she ignored him. "I know you wanted that peach this morning, but I got to it first, you see."

  "Shut up, Draco," Selina murmured, jotting down unnecessary details of the lesson as she avoided his gaze.

  "That's not nice," he frowned.

  "Mr. Malfoy," a loud bark interrupted their conversation.

Selina looked up at the professor in front of them, who seemed to be in a less-than-pleasant mood today.

  "Do listen to your friend, and shut up," Moody snapped.

Everyone in the room, Slytherin or Gryffindor, snickered as Draco looked around at all of them in anger. 

  "'Shut up'?! My father'll have you sacked!" he spat unpleasantly.

  "Not going down this road again, are we?" Professor Moody demanded, glaring at Draco with his one good eye. 

He gulped in fear, remembering exactly what had happened the last time he decided to act up in front of the former auror. Selina shot him an irritated look, no longer amused by the attention that was being drawn to the two of them. 

  "Now. You'd best give Miss Romanov here a real good apology for pestering her and being an obnoxious little twat before I make you, is that understood?" he warned.

Draco glanced at her awkwardly, fearing the repercussions as he decided not to further provoke her. 

  "Apologize!" Moody thundered.

Some of the Slytherins were whispering and murmuring as they observed. 

  "Sorry, Sel," Draco mumbled unintelligibly.

  "What's that?!" Moody barked. "Can't hear you!"

Draco hung his head in shame as he found he couldn't get out of this one. 

  "I'm sorry, Selina," he said more clearly, as the room teetered with laughter.

Selina no longer cared about the situation at all.

  "What was that?!" the professor demanded. "Can't hear you!"

  Draco cleared his throat quietly, petrified by the mad look in Moody's eyes, or rather, eye. "I'm sorry, Selina."

  "For what?!" Professor Moody yelled. "Say it!"

This startled Draco.

  "For... being an obnoxious little twat!" Draco cried, genuinely afraid of what he might do.

Everyone except for Pansy laughed, as Selina just looked down at the surface of her desk. 

  "You'd better be," Moody reminded him. "Miss Romanov here comes from a family that deserves far more recognition than your own. The Romanov family has a legacy of blood and power that no one in this room could possibly imagine," he declared.

Selina was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

  "Now. Speaking of the Romanovs... Who can tell me which of the Unforgivable Curses is said to have come from that family, before we move on?"

This, naturally, was one of Selina's least favorite rumors that happened to often be brought up at Hogwarts, one way or another. She remembered that during her second year, someone had brought up the question to Professor McGonagall during a class, which she had eventually personally apologized for afterwards.  

Selina saw Hermione glance at her from the other side of the room. She knew that Hermione knew the answer to the question, of course, but didn't feel like answering upon seeing the expression on Selina's face. Instead, Moody had called on Dean Thomas. 

  "The Cruciatus Curse, sir," he stated promptly.

  "Yes. Correct," Moody nodded.

Selina saw Neville Longbottom glance over at her, seemingly realizing that one of her ancestors was said to have invented the curse that had afflicted both of his parents since he was a baby. She saw the sadness and fear in his eyes, and felt horrible. She wanted to apologize, but for what, exactly, she didn't know. 

  "The curse is said to have been invented sometime during the early fifteenth century by Vladimir the Wicked, but no such records or evidence exist," the former Auror explained to the class of fourth-years. "However, Ivan the Terrible was certainly noted for his use of it. Anyways. On with today's actual lesson."

Selina hated to be reminded that her father's lineage could be traced back to the very worst of the czars of Russia. Even her mother's side of the family had enough scandals to last a lifetime.

*****

  "Alright. It's time for you lot to get out," Professor Moody announced gruffly at the end of the lesson. "Go on. It's nice out."

  "But, sir, class doesn't end for another ten minutes," Hermione reminded him, earning her a spiteful glare from Ron.

  "And?" the man questioned impatiently.

No one said another word. Draco and the others, as well as just about everyone in class, nearly ran out of the room. Only a few remained even after just a few seconds. 

  "Go on! Everyone out! Except Romanov."

Selina looked up at her teacher worriedly, glancing back at her friends. Amana gave her a nervous look before leaving the room with Pansy and Blaise, not wanting to be in the madman's presence any longer than necessary. Selina slowly put her leather book bag over her shoulder, approaching Moody's desk with apprehension. 

  "You wanted to see me, sir?" she asked.

  "Yes, take a seat if you want," he muttered, still distracted by the objects on his desk. "Don't worry. You're not in trouble," he said passively, coming around to the other side. 

  "Then why did you want to see me?" Selina responded, figuring if she could abandon all pretenses of socially acceptable niceties with any teacher, it would be him. 

  "I've been made aware of your private lessons with Professor Snape," Moody informed her, leaning against his desk.

  "Yes, Professor Snape teaches me advanced spells," Selina nodded.

  "Interesting," Moody stated, "That it's Snape who teaches you, and not Flitwick, who, as I understand it, is the Charms professor. Why is that, Miss Romanov?"

  Selina just shrugged, not providing a complete response. "He's my Head of House. He saw my work, and he took an interest."

  "And does Professor Snape... teach you anything particularly off-curricular?" he asked with curiosity. 

Selina did her best not to actually answer the question.

  "Professor Snape teaches me things he believes I might find useful. I'm sorry, but is there anything you need from me?" she asked him.

  Moody studied her carefully, the same way he would a suspect as an Auror, narrowing his eye at her. "Everyone knows you're a talented witch, Romanov. They all want to see your abilities up close, to their full extent," he told her. "Hell. I'm sure Karkaroff's going to try to poach you for Durmstrang if he hasn't already."

  Selina was astounded by his perceptiveness. "You're right about that."

  "I'm guessing you didn't take him up on that?"

  "No," she shook her head. "He said Dumbledore can't know. I wanted no part in that."

  "Smart," Moody nodded his approval. "Karkaroff's a fairly strong wizard, but he's also an idiot. Don't get mixed up in that. You're better off learning from someone who knows what they're doing."

  "Professor Snape knows what he's doing," Selina pointed out coldly, trying to find a way out of the conversation. 

  "Yeah, but does Professor Snape let you reach your full potential? Huh?" Moody demanded, staring her down.

Selina didn't know how to interpret his unorthodox methods in that moment. 

  "What are you playing at?" she asked him.

  Moody just looked down at her, tempting her as best as he could. "Does Professor Snape recognize the full extent of your abilities? Does he really play to your strengths?"

  "I'm not sure I follow," Selina crossed her arms.

  "I'll put it this way," he provided frankly. "You can learn from Snape, and learn the love-and-light approach to things, and achieve mediocrity. Or you can learn from someone who's seen it all. Someone who knows what'll save you out in the real world."

  "I said no to Karkaroff," Selina reminded him, "What makes you think I wouldn't say the same to you?"

  "Because. You know that I used to see true evil every day of my life. You know... that I'm just like you," Moody whispered, the craziest look in his eyes, even apart from his glass eye moving constantly. "Unlike the rest of them, I understand that sometimes, to fight evil, you have to use the same methods."

Selina went silent for a moment, considering her options. Mad-Eye Moody stared at her eagerly, with the tenacity of an entire pack of hungry dogs. 

  "Let's say I was interested," she said carefully, unfazed by his insanity, "What would our first lesson be?"

*****

Selina didn't return to the Slytherin common room until later in the afternoon, closer to dinner time. Jasper was waiting for her, completing his studies in her empty dorm room while Amana was off with Pansy and the others. His face lit up as soon as she entered the room, not unlike a dog waiting for its master. 

  "Selina. There you are," Jasper said, closing his textbook as he got up off her bed, "Where've you been?"

  "Er, I had a lesson with Snape," she lied, as Moody had instructed her to.

  "Really? I thought he scheduled it for tomorrow," her boyfriend remarked curiously.

  "Yeah, he did. He just wanted me to have extra instruction time."

  "Oh. That's oddly considerate of him," he thought. "Well," he shook his head, taking his mind off Snape.

Selina threw off her robe, trying to get comfortable in the clothes that she had on underneath. 

  "Want to go to the Great Hall with Amana?"

  "No, I think I'll rest up before dinner," she decided. "I'm exhausted."

  "Okay. We'll stay in," Jasper Carroll concluded, smiling as he sat beside her on the bed. 

  "Jasper?" Selina spoke up, looking at him with guilt.

  "What is it?" he asked her.

  "I, er... I'm sorry," she said finally, "For everything."

He took a moment to process what she'd said, not  necessarily understanding the reasoning behind it.

  "Why?" 

That was all he had to say.

  "Because... I'm an arsehole," Selina pointed out, feeling as if it were obvious. "I'm not a good person. I don't deserve you."

  "Selina," Jasper murmured, cupping her face with his hand, "I don't believe that's true. At all."

Selina knew that what he said should've comforted her, but somehow it didn't. She was beyond that. Hearing him say that, she didn't immediately feel relieved. Instead, she felt strangely a bit disappointed, subconsciously realizing that her boyfriend wasn't as smart as she believed him to be. 

  "I love you, Selina. I really do," he told her. "You never have to apologize to me, for anything. I love you, for who you are, and I'd do anything for you."

Not knowing what else to say to him, Selina reached up to kiss him, her hands tangling into his hair. She realized she loved him, far too much to allow her own flaws to get in the way. It wasn't long before the two of them ultimately decided their friends could survive without them for the afternoon, and a tie was placed carefully on the doorknob outside. 

*****

  "Hey," Selina said softly, choosing not to head downstairs immediately after dinner. 

Harry looked up at her as he sat on a bench in the hall. He gave her a meek smile and allowed her to sit down next to him.

  "How are you doing?" she asked. 

  "Better, I guess," he thought after a moment. "Ron finally came around."

  "Oh, yeah... Well, that's good then," she said optimistically.

  Harry nodded. "Yeah. Things are normal with my friends again."

  "Then what are you doing down here?" she wondered. 

  Harry just shrugged. "I don't know. Just wanted a moment to myself."

  "Fair enough," she nodded. "I suppose I kind of had the same idea."

  "How are you doing?" Harry asked her. "I feel like we haven't talked in a while."

  "Yeah."

  "How are things with Jasper?" he inquired. "Any better?"

  "Yeah. Yeah, things are better," Selina told him. "It feels like... Like it used to. Or, almost, anyway."

  "I get what you mean," he offered sympathetically, looking down at his lap.

  "Anything on your mind in particular?" she asked.

  "The second task, I suppose."

  "Yeah... That definitely makes sense," Selina thought. "I think you'll do good, though. You're good with challenges," she remarked.

  "Yeah, well, maybe I'm not so sure this time around," Harry expressed worriedly. "I'm afraid this isn't like anything I've ever faced before."

  "Well, you'd be stupid if you weren't," she pointed out. "At least you're smart enough to work out your disadvantages before you go up against everyone else. I think as long as you don't overcomplicate things, you'll do great."

  "Thanks, Selina," he said genuinely. 

  "Of course," she nodded.

  "Hey... I never did get to thank you for what you said in the Prophet," he remembered suddenly.

  "In the Prophet?" she questioned.

She couldn't think of what he was referring to.

  "What you said to Rita Skeeter," he elaborated, reminding her of the interviews that had taken place the day after the Triwizard Champions were announced. 

  "Oh," Selina realized quickly, recalling the interview she'd given that morning, "Yeah."

Despite how problematic Rita Skeeter's interpretation of Selina's interview was, Harry had been able to read in between the lines. 

'Selina Romanov, daughter of Ilya Romanov, infamous for the murder of his wife Adeline, is a close friend of suspect entrant Harry Potter's. When asked about his upcoming participation in the Triwizard Tournament, the notoriously beautiful part-Veela responded, "I think Harry will do well. Now—" Let my record of the conversation reflect that the language that followed cannot, regrettably, be printed. 

Miss Romanov's crass remarks beg the question, is there something between our royalty descendant and Harry Potter?'

  "Thank you for telling Rita Skeeter to fuck off for me," Harry said appreciatively.

  Selina nodded. "What are friends for?"

  "I'm sorry she insinuated that there's something going on between you and me," he apologized.

  "It's what she does," Selina shrugged dismissively, never having been too concerned about it at all.

  "Yeah, it definitely is," he nodded in agreement. "Jasper didn't mind, though?"

  "Oh, no," she assured him, "He definitely doesn't take anything that woman says seriously."

  "Who would?" Harry remarked, as the two of them sat together. 

Selina saw as he looked up, seeing Fred and George Weasley approaching.

  "Hiya, Harry,"  Fred said teasingly, "Why so mopey?"

He and George both ruffled Harry's hair and sat on either side of him, as Fred and Selina made awkward eye contact for a moment. 

  "You're a Champion!" George reminded him. "You should be jumping for joy! You could piss on the walls, and everyone would cheer you on."

  "Well, I'm not particularly in the mood to be pissing on the walls," Harry Potter considered.

  "But you should be!" George encouraged him. "Come on. Cheer up, mate!"

Fred stood and turned to Selina, who was somewhat surprised he had anything to say to her. 

  "You want to go to the library?" Fred asked her.

  She frowned. "That's the first time I've ever heard you say that."

  "It's private," he shrugged, offering her an escape. "Plus, Madam Pince is too busy closing up shop to pay anyone any mind."

  "Alright," Selina agreed, accompanying him. "Let's go."

He nodded with a soft smile, nodding to his twin as the two of them separated from the group. They were both awkwardly silent for a moment, before Fred decided to interrupt.

  "I hope you didn't think I was judging you, before," Fred said politely. "I know, of all people, I have no right to judge."

  "It's alright," she said quietly, in an attempt to retire the subject. 

The two soon found a private corner in the library, as far away from Madam Pince, and anyone else as they could get.

  "You know I don't care about the thing from the other day anymore, right?" Selina asked cautiously. "You and I, we're fine."

  "No, this isn't about that," Fred promised her, "What, we can't just talk?"

  "I never said that," she told him. "If this isn't about yesterday, then... Why'd you ask me here?"

  "Isn't it obvious?" Fred grinned, the conversation taking a happier turn. "I've got gossip for you. We're friends, after all."

Selina smiled as the two of them shared a simple, pleasant moment, as she sat beside him, listening to his story about Angelina Johnson. 

  "Oh my God!" she exclaimed, eager to feel like just a teenage girl again. "She definitely fancies you!"

  "I know. I just... Don't know what I'd do if I fucked it all up," he admitted.

  "I'm afraid there's no real way to avoid all that," she said truthfully. "Fucking up is unavoidable. However, fucking up and being the arsehole is completely avoidable. Speaking from experience, of course," she provided.

  Fred grimaced guiltily. "I'm sorry. That's not what I meant to say..."

  "No, I know. But it's true," Selina sighed. "I fucked up in an insane, avoidable sort of way. And I know you wouldn't do the same," she provided kindly.

  "You're not a bad person, Selina," Fred promised her. "You... You're just a good person, who gets mixed up with bad people."

She smiled, genuinely appreciating the way that he cared. 

*****

  "Did Igor Karkaroff offer to give you private lessons?!"

  Selina frowned. "What happened to 'hi'? 'Hello'? 'How are you'?"

  "This isn't a laughing matter, Romanov, now answer my question," Professor Snape commanded impatiently.

  "How does everyone keep finding out about that?!" Selina cried. "Yes, he did. But I said no."

  "Good," Snape nodded as the two of them stood in the middle of the hall. "Do not trust that man."

  "Why?" Selina questioned inquisitively. "Because he was a Death Eater?"

  Severus Snape scowled at her sarcasm. "Because he's untrustworthy," he replied simply.

  "Great. Very informative, thank you. Can I go now?" 

  "Yes, go," he waved her off, cloak billowing behind him as he rushed off. 

She just shook her head, ignoring the interaction completely as she continued about her day. The school was crawling with people, no matter what school they were from. From what she saw of Fleur Delacour and Viktor Krum, she assumed that a Hogwarts student would eventually be named Triwizard Champion. 

She figured although Harry had a decent chance of winning, Cedric still could easily win. Selina Romanov didn't actually know Cedric Diggory very well. She had played against him and the rest of the Hufflepuff team on the Quidditch pitch multiple times, and knew that he was dating Cho Chang, but other than that, they'd had no actual contact.

After it had been announced that Hogwarts would have two Champions in the Tournament this year, Draco Malfoy, like many Hogwarts students, favored Cedric Diggory purely because he wasn't Harry Potter. But even from what little Selina knew about Cedric Diggory, she knew that this wasn't the type of attention Cedric had intended to garner as a Triwizard Champion.

Cedric was a Hufflepuff, and a seemingly decent sort of person. Everyone knew him to be kind, responsible, and humble. Cedric didn't boast, and he certainly didn't look down on others the way Draco and some of the others did. He was a genuinely kind person who treated everyone as equals, on and off the pitch. Selina had observed that he had a very sportsmanlike attitude, even in situations that had nothing to do with sports at all.

She figured it was the reason he was so popular. He was handsome, and talented, and whatever else, but he was also just likable. Selina had been mostly indifferent to Cedric, until the day she saw him coming to Neville Longbottom's aid.

  "Come on, Malfoy, please!" Neville complained, trying to grab his book bag as Draco, Theo, and Goyle played catch with it. "I need to get to class—"

  "Guess you'd better get running then, eh?" Draco grinned.

Selina rolled her eyes as the boys continued playing with the bag, taunting him as they threw it over his head. 

  "Draco, don't be a prat," Selina remarked in a bored tone.

  "Come on, Sel, you're such a bore nowadays!" he groaned. "You used to love torturing Longbottom."

  "Twat," she said under her breath.

  "Slag," Draco joked, coming across as even less funny than he'd intended. 

He caught the bag from Goyle, and threw it back to Theo. Before Selina could say anything, a voice interrupted from behind her. 

  "Hey. Give it back to him," Cedric Diggory intervened. 

Draco's amusement slowly faded as he saw it was Cedric who was stopping him. Stone-faced and trying to avoid conflict with one of the most popular boys at Hogwarts, he begrudgingly threw the book bag back at Neville, who was startled by the sudden movement. Looking back and forth between Draco and Cedric, Neville took it and ran. Draco took another look at Cedric before taking off. 

Cedric just shook his head, noticing Selina.

  "Romanov. Are you alright?" he asked, seeming livid on her behalf. 

  "Yeah, I'm fine, thanks, Diggory," Selina said politely. "It's okay."

  "Are you sure?!" he questioned. "That was awful, what he said to you."

  "It's fine," she assured him, hardly surprised, "Really, it's just Draco."

  "I don't care who he is. You just don't talk to people like that," Cedric pointed out.

Selina thought it was almost endearing how simplistic his view of the world was. 

  "It's okay, Cedric. Really. That's just how we are," she promised him.

  Cedric nodded, respecting her wishes, but still adamant about his views. "Still. No one should talk to a girl like that," he insisted.

  "No," Selina agreed softly, considering what he had to say. "They shouldn't."

#draco malfoy fanfiction #draco lucius malfoy #draco malfoy imagine #draco malfoy #draco x reader #draco fanfiction #hpdm #draco malfoy x y/n #draco malfoy x you #draco malfoy x reader #draco x you #draco x y/n #draco x reader angst #fred wealsey fic #fred weasely x y/n #fred weasly x reader #fred weasley #george weasley #george wealsey x reader

[scarlettatg]

The Handmaid’s Tale

Nick Blaine

Episode 501 Morning

In episode 501 Nick arrives home the morning after he delivers Fred to June. He knew (maybe even saw) what Fred’s demise was at the hands of June. We know just how violent Fred’s salvaging was. Nick knows the extent of June’s rage and it doesn’t really affect him or make him see her different. I think it contrasts to Luke’s reactions to June in season 5 (like when June tells him about Fred’s finger). This is one of the many reasons Nick is so important for June. He loves, accepts and understands all of her and this is why she can be herself. He doesn’t expect anything so she doesn’t have to pretend.

We find out Rose has some kind of knowledge on his relationship with June but not to what extent. She seems ok with whatever she thinks June is/was in Nick’s life but there’s a sort of closure in that conversation:

“Did you see her? Yeah. And what she needed to do was done? Yes. Praise be his mercy. Maybe June can find some peace now.”

Maybe Rose believed that this was supposed to be the last thing Nick did for June. He was supposed to let her go so they could both carry on with their lives. Rose hopes this gives her closure, peace, a way to start moving on with her life and in the same way, Nick can also move on with his life with her. Nick seems worried, like he knows this won’t give June peace and he wonders if she will be able to find some sort of happiness. After all what he wants is for her to be safe and happy, even if she’s not with him. Maybe it’s a reflection on his own decisions, will he be able to happy? Will he be able to move on?

Episode 510 Safe

By the end of season 5 Nick realizes he not only wasn’t able to let June go, but he’s unable to keep her safe. Her safety has been his only purpose. It’s stronger than his longing to be close to her and his daughter. No matter what he does to help change Gilead he cannot guarantee her safety. Throughout the season we get glimpses of Nick maneuvering Gilead, aligning himself with Lawrence and trying to move on. Still June and Holly are always present. As he appeared to move along he seemed more trapped in a life he clearly doesn’t and didn’t want. He’s once again stuck and as the possibilities of being close to his family appear the more Gilead seems to be pulling him in, pushing him into someone he doesn’t want to be. June has always been his driving force and as much as he tries to distance himself from that, he can’t. All of that stops the second he finds out she’s not safe. He basically gives himself up for her safety.

His reaction to seeing June in the hospital, mirrors his reaction in 501. He is lost in thought as he touches his lips maybe thinking about his decisions or what he said or didn’t say to her. In 501 he might have been thinking about that kiss they shared in 410 while in 510 he might be thinking/regretting that he didn’t kiss her when he clearly was dying to do so. He’s clearly devastated and he probably feels guilty. There’s also regret. Nick told her her he wished he would’ve ran away with her and in 509 June wished the world would just stop. They both wish they could be with each other without their obligations and without pretending to be something they are not. Just like in 501 we see that he is clearly worried. How can he keep her safe? The only thing he has to trade for her safety is his own.

He also touches his tie, maybe it’s just a way to ground himself so he doesn’t lose it. Perhaps it’s like a symbolic noose around his neck that represents Gilead and the decisions he has made that have gotten him to where he is. A tie can symbolize power but it can also symbolize submission and slavery. When Nick was a driver/guardian we saw him wear a tie on occasions as part of his uniform. As a driver he was working class and low status. Now as a commander the tie symbolizes power but he’s still trapped and a slave to a system he doesn’t align himself with. The more power he gets the more he feels that noose around his neck tighten. He has to do things he doesn’t want to do, he’s married and he has a child on the way. Gilead has a hold on him and June and Holly become more of a pipe a dream.

#the handmaid's tale #june osborne #gilead #nick blaine #the handmaids tale season 5 #osblaine #nick x june

[acnelli]

Nelli's Birthday Recs

All credit for this lovely idea goes to @lumosatnight. It's my Birthday today and I want to share some quality stories with you to enjoy. Especially, in those last two years fanfiction and fandom in general became a safe haven for me. A very welcome escape from reality and overall joy in general. So thank you for this 💛

Just like Lani, I'll introduce 12 stories and authors (for each day in July leading up to my Birthday). Except for one, they're all Ron-centric (no surprises there but you probably follow me for that exact reason, so...I guess it's fine ;)). I can only encourage you to read these stories as well as checking out their writer profiles for more.

And I'll never get tired of saying this: Leave Kudos & comments if you enjoyed reading a story. No matter how old the story is, no matter how many Kudos and comments there are already, your comment will make a writer happy. Always (imagine this in a Severus Snape/Alan Rickman voice)!

This is not sorted by ship at all. So, scroll through the whole list, please. Pairings: Romione, Rarry, Kron, Perciver, and a selection of many different pairings from the microfics I recommended.

Holidate by @accio-broom [M, Ron x Hermione, WIP]

Fed up with being single for the holidays, two close friends agree to be each other's platonic plus ones all year long. But will they catch real feelings along the way?

This story updates on every major holiday and finishes on Christmas 2022. If this isn't the coolest idea?

My Microfic May 2022 by @curlyy-hair-dont-care [various ratings and pairings]

Her submissions to @microficmay 2022 were such a delight to read and I was looking forward everyday to read one of these lovely stories.

The Romione, Blairon, and Marthur fics were my favs but all of them are great.

A Perfect Birthday Morning by @hillnerd [M, Ron x Hermione, 1k+]

Ron's 34th Birthday.

Hilly isn't just one of my favorite artists ( @hillnerd-art) but also a great writer. She also organized hangouts during the panini which were such a life saver, especially in 2020.

A Muggle Cliché by @cescalr [T, Ron x Harry, 8k+]

Harry Potter. The squib son of James and Lily Potter. The nephew of Sirius Black.

Ron is never going to hear the end of this from the twins, he realises, with great despair. In his defence, Harry Potter should be dead.

I can't stress enough how great of a concept this is and how well-written this story is, especially how Harry is written.

what you know about love (i got what you need) by @playitaagain [M, Ron x Harry, 6k+]

Ron shows Harry that it's okay to seek comfort, to have someone hold you. He allows Harry the space to cry while showing him how much love can be found in another person's nonjudgmental support.

Or

Five time Ron initiates comforting Harry and one time Harry seeks out comfort.

Beautiful story with the 5 + 1 prompt. (Just as a FYI, I still get notification for this story on the @harryronfest blog almost every day :)).

Treacle Treat by @orange-peony [E, Ron x Harry, 30k+]

Fred's funeral turns out to be quite lovely, Harry thinks, in spite of how heartbroken they all feel. Everyone says something nice or funny about Fred, trying to remember the good moments. Harry can’t get the words out, but Ron is by his side, the back of his hand pressed against Harry’s, his eyebrows scrunched up as he sobs quietly.

“Stay,” Ron whispers after dinner, when everyone gets ready for bed, pale faces looking empty and wiped out. “Don’t go back to Grimmauld Place. Stay here, Harry. Please…”

Harry nods, then follows Ron upstairs, to the room where they’ve spent countless summer evenings, chatting in bed with a laugh and a cheeky grin on their faces.

They lie in the dark in silence this time, and Harry feels so cold.

So much angst, so much smut, so much love. So much of peony's beautiful writing.

A Heart So Colourful by @lumosatnight [E, Ron x Viktor, 1k+]

Rita Skeeter’s article dropped on Tuesday afternoon. By Wednesday morning, it was posted all over Hogwarts. Not even Filch’s personal quarters had been overlooked (though why a student would risk sneaking in there, Merlin only knew). By Thursday, even the professors were talking about it. By Friday, the Minister, himself, was Flooing his associates across the pond.

Viktor Krum was gay, and he had asked Ronald Weasley to the Yule Ball.

This is so cute and a really lovely idea. Also shout out to Lani for getting me into writing again with microficmay.

Perfect Strangers by @adenei [T, Ron x Hermione, 5k+]

Ron Weasley is just like any other University student: he attends his classes, plays for the football team, and spends much of his spare time working at the coffee shop that's owned by his best mate's parents. What will happen when an ordinary shift brings in a new customer?

I might have mentioned that I love Coffee Shop AUs right? This here also comes with a Jily lives bonus and adenei's amazing writing.

In Which Landon Is Accidentally Observant, and Peters Misses Quidditch for No Good Reason at All by @constitutionalweasleymonarchy [T, Percy x Oliver, 3k+]

The arguments between Percy Weasley and Oliver Wood are so legendary, a mere glare is enough to clear out the dormitory. The problem is, Landon and Peters live here, too.

(A 7th year Perciver from the POV of their dormmates.)

Usually, I recommend A Counterpoint to Working Lunches by RGF but this story made me laugh so much and I was absolutely delighted about the new ship name she came up with for Perciver.

Right Here, Right Now by @cheesyficwriter [M, Ron x Hermione, 1k+]

Ron and Hermione share a tender moment under the stars during the summer following the Battle.

This was written for the @romioneficfest 2021! As every story written for this lovely fest, cheesy's story warmed me from the inside out when I first read it.

The Handyman by @reallybeth9 [M, Ron x Hermione, 2k+]

She gave me another one of those tight-lipped smiles, and I realized that I desperately wanted to see what one of her real smiles looked like.

“It’s nice,” she said. “Or it will be once it’s decorated.”

I wanted to ask her if she could help me decorate it but I held my tongue, knowing that it would be an inappropriate thing to ask.

Smutty goodness with a twist but you have to see for yourself.

The Quiet by @be11atrixthestrange [T, Ron x Hermione, 1k+]

A father/son shopping trip turns into an understated moment of bonding.

This story will not just make your Romione shipper heart happy but you'll also find yourself shipping an entirely new pairing. My personal headcanons about Hugo's character were also shaped by this story. And Dad!Ron is always a treat, isn't it?

#nelli's fic recs #hp fic recs #romione #perciver #rarry #ronarry #kron #marthur #blairon #hp #hp fanfic #ron weasley #harry james potter #harry potter #hermione granger #percy weasley #oliver wood #viktor krum

[yisony07]

A bet

"Then whoever loses the match will wear... This mask!" Jonah exclaimed, pulling out an old green wooden mask, which he placed on the table. "And he'll have it on all night, what do you say?"

Fred was a bit suspicious. Jonah, a friend of years, had invited him to his house to play video games, and as such he was gambling as they always used to. Jonah's challenges ranged from walking a block in lingerie to licking a college toilet seat, so something seemingly simple like a mask set off alarm bells.

"It's... Okay" he said unconvincingly.

"Done!"

They both started playing various video games. Some racing, others platform, others battle royales. The score between the two was even until they decided to play one last, a career this time.

"Come on, come on... Yes! I won" shouted Fred, feeling safe from an uncertain fate. "You'll have to put that thing on" Fred handed the mask to Jonah "How are you going to wear it all night, it doesn't seem to have anything to hold it with"

Jonah couldn't help but smile. Although he wanted to see the result with Fred, he was excited about it. He decided to gently put on the mask. It began to stretch and expand around his head. He could feel it move and mold to his face. He felt the ends of the mask finally connect to each other at the back of his head. The mask then connected with his mouth and eyes, he could feel the mask forming around his nose, and the metal strip seemed to melt into the mask. While he moaned, he felt an immense energy that excited him a lot, and he didn't hide it, because his dick was hard.

He suddenly turned to the left, and then to the right to start moving in a small tornado that was destroying his entire room. Outside thunder was heard and lightning was seen, all while Jonah moaned, until a few moments his screams were drowned out by the noise of the environment.

Several seconds passed, until the tornado finally stopped. The smoke clears, revealing a totally different Jonah.

"That was hot!" Masked Jonah smiled at Fred.

"What... just...?"

"Oh, Freddie, that's not what matters" Jonah's head looked like that of a dog and a heart pumped out of his chest "Auuuuuu…! I love you" he threw himself on top of the nervous Fred, both falling on the sofa. he climbed up from the sofa, on top of the nervous Mark. Fred was inching away as "the creature" with a canine head slowly approached. At the sight of him on Fred, Jonah's eyes go from his face as he screams in madness, going back inside.

"Don't fear me, Fred" he launches again towards Fred, but he starts to run away "Don't run from me, my love!"

A chase began throughout the house. He jumps on top of the redhead, so the redhead dodges him by leaving the furniture, fleeing from him through the supermarket aisles "Don't run away from me!"

He started chasing freckles here and there until he got to the point where Fred had no way out, as he was stuck in a wall with no way out. He watched Jonah slowly approach with his arms out in front of him, while his hands made gestures of wanting to squeeze something, and his tongue was sticking out of him.

"Can you stop please?!" Fred yelled when Jonah was inches away.

At his words, Jonah is enveloped in a small tornado. Fred looked at this in disbelief, not processing what the hell was happening. The tornado stops seconds later (Fred was impressed by the speed). Now Jonah was wearing more suggestive clothing and a bouquet of roses and lilies.

"Dear Frederick Azahar... All these years I've been in love with you" he kisses him on the lips, causing Fred to be stupefied, although he reciprocates. It was a tender kiss but full of desire, whose intensity matched the previous scenario. About a few seconds, and due to lack of air, they separated.

"That... was... Wow" Fred had no words to describe everything that happened. How did a simple game night turn into a romantic evening?

"And I've got a lot planned for us tonight, so… do you want to be my boyfriend?"

"Yes, Jonah"

"Good! Now…" Masked Jonah kissed Fred's neck "Shall we continue?".

You can imagine what happened next.

Thanks to @thesantorias94 for the masked pic.

#he-mask #loki mask transformation #the mask trasformation #the mask #fanfic #gay #themask #the mask transformation #male tf #male transformation

[harryissuchalittleshit]

Hugo and his immediate family headcanons plseg:Ron,Rose, Hermione

I know it's different to what you normally do so you don't have to do it if you don't want to.

Also hugo x lyla headcanons!

Can we have some becca x lysander headcanons to???

Sorry if it's a lot

Hugo & Rose:

They have always been close

Rose was so excited to be a big sister and she was always aware of Hugo growing up

They even managed to stay close as teenagers and in adulthood

They always supported each other in their choices- Hugo and Lyla not marrying young, Rose and Scorpius having a family very young, neither of them going into the Ministry

Hugo is even good to Scorpius, which the favor is easily returned

Rose is honestly one of Hugo’s favorite people in the world

He and Lyla name their only daughter after Rose

Rose names her oldest son Hermes Hugo for Hugo

They are the only Weasley grandchildren that never had a serious fight between them

Hugo & Ron:

Ron loves having a son so much! Even if Hugo came with an amazing amount of challenges throughout his life

They are both dyslexic, so it was great for Ron to learn that there was a name for his reading troubles, the pair of them learned how to read together

Hugo is amazing at chess and one of few that can beat Ron in a match

Hugo reminds Ron a lot of Fred, especially when he’s younger and causing trouble left and right, he finds out the name for that too, ADHD

While Hermione worries about Hugo going to school, Ron knows that Hugo will be fine and happy and thrive at Hogwarts

He was proud of Rose for being a prefect and Head Girl, he nearly cries when Hugo is named Head Boy

He has read every article, every column, and every book Hugo has ever published, he is such a proud Dad

Hugo & Hermione:

Hugo looks more like Hermione while Rose looks like Ron

Hugo is incredibly logical and reasonable like Hermione, but he’s also incredibly impulsive lol

He loves old stories, especially mythology and the stories Hermione read to him as a kid

Hugo was very close to Hermione’s father, and that is a connection Hermione holds very dear to her

Hugo loves visiting Hermione at the Ministry, even if he does get a little too excited during court cases

He would play or nap in the space under Hermione’s desk, to the point that she always had a blanket in one of her desk draws

They are the two that know Spanish best in the family and often get into fights in Muggle London about “speaking the native language” and what not

Hugo loves to switch languages mid sentence, a trick he learned from Hermione

She was really nervous about him going to Hogwarts with his ADHA, but he defied her expectations

She was also nervous about Lyla, but grew to love her as a daughter

Hugo & Lyla:

(I love these two so much!! OTP level right here)

So they are definitely a school rival to teenage crushes to dedicated soulmates in a matter of a single summer

They just have this level of understanding for one another that only grows as they get older and they’re in such a strong relationship

In many ways they see their relationship to each other as like their parents

Hugo sees how understanding and forgiving they are to each other

Lyla sees how dedicated and trusting they are for each other

They have a shared love of music and dancing, they love mythology (especially Greek), they are both very smart and academic, and they both love languages

Hugo teaches Lyla so much about the Muggle world, including how to drive

Why Lyla teaches Hugo about the inner workings of the Society and pureblood culture

Rose and Scorpius pretty much set them up, Hugo and Lyla just so happened to have already hooked up a week before the real set up lol

They both become writers and have several books published together and alone

They end up having four kids and eight cats (though four belong to the kids)

Becca & Lysander:

They’re the couple no one really expected to get together

Their mum’s were friendly back at Hogwarts, but Becca’s dropped out during the war to have her oldest daughter

But they became friends again through Ginny and Hermione

Rose and Becca are best friends, while Lysander and James are good friends

Rose and Scorpius had already been dating for a few months when Becca and Lysander started going out

It wasn’t even like a thing anyone really realized, they were just always talking and finding each other in the library or out on the grounds and all the sudden they just were dating

Lysander kissed Becca first but she said the first “I love you”

Lysander does break up with Becca for a year while he’s out of school and she’s a seventh year

It’s really bad for both of them, but they come out of it stronger and more sure of what they want in life and who they want to share that life with

They learn to forgive and trust each other so much more

#harry potter #head canons #rose weasley #scorpius malfoy #family #hugo weasley #Lyla Zabini #Becca Havings #lysander scamander #ron weasley #hermione granger

[arcaneprism]

Muslim Scooby gang headcanons

I was having thoughts last night going like... What if All of them were Muslim and I wish to share

Okay first things first HIJABI DAPHNE!!!! Modest fashion icon Daphne with different hijab styles every day wearing all the cute accessories from headpieces to earrings to hats and big ribbons. All the hijab styles!!! All the accessories!!!

Imagine Daphne chasing down monsters in pretty colourful abayas and fighting monsters wearing those loose flowy pants that look like a skirt when you’re standing still she’d look so majestic

Velma I imagine wouldn’t wear hijab consistently/very often. A part time hijabi at most but mainly she’s more comfortable wearing hijab when going to anything cultural/religious but day to day - not so much.

Shaggy probably doesn’t care so much about what his hijab is like. Will go out wearing shorts if he’s comfortable.

Fred cares a bit more. He’d go to beaches with everything from belly button to knee covered.

Shaggy is still scared of ghosts. Everyone tries to tell him ghosts aren’t real, as Muslims we don’t believe in ghosts and Shaggy just yells that GHOSTS MAY NOT BE REAL BUT THE DJINN ARE AND THATS EVEN WORSE

oh oh oh food hcsssss

So when they’re together they find a halal restaurant and food is no issue. They are gently reminding each other to care for your feeding habits and keep the food halal.

But when they’re alone, not all of them take care of their eating that well

Shaggy will eat anything as long as it’s not pork

Daphne eats mostly halal but if it’s kosher and doesn’t contain alcohol then she’ll eat that too

Fred and Velma both eat halal only but Fred believes that all seafood and shellfish is fine and Velma believes some shellfish such as lobster etc are not

They also all have different stances on dogs

Velma believes they’re haram. Does have a soft spot for Scooby but lowkey feels guilty every time she touches him

Shaggy thinks they’re fine

Daphne believes they’re najis in the way that they’re fine to touch as long as they’re not wet so she tends to avoid it but does give in cause Scooby’s cute. As long as Scooby doesn’t lick her.

Fred has a similar belief except he’s more paranoid than Daphne and will rather avoid Scooby regardless of whether he’s wet or not because he finds it troublesome to clean himself after touching a dog

Fred’s paranoia does lead to them having bottles and bottles of water pre-mixed with soil in the van just so it’s easier for them to clean everything when needed and the gang uses them a lot.

There’s this belief that angels won’t enter a house that a dog is in. Fred and Velma believe this and would rather Scooby not have the same living quarters as them. Daphne is fine with whatever. Shaggy argues that he was told the dogs barking is what chases the angels away and Scooby barely barks so it doesn’t matter anyway.

How that conversation ends idk because in my head they all live in the van and no one has the heart to kick Scooby out the van at night.

How do they all sleep in the van and take care of their aurat i also dont know they can figure it out

#scooby doo #daphne blake #velma dinkley #fred jones #shaggy rogers #i needed this out of my head so here it is #just… all of them having slightly different beliefs but still being respectful of each other vibing and educating each other and just #them being respectful and lovely #My writing

[nellie-elizabeth]

The Handmaid's Tale: Border (5x03)

Oh man... Serena Joy, what the hell are you going to do now...

Cons:

I've always praised the depiction of Aunt Lydia, a somewhat grotesque depiction of the matronly older lady who claims to protect and love the young women in her charge, but also does irreparable harm to them. This episode, this whole plot beat about Esther's attempted suicide and murder of Janine, kind of confuses me, though. I didn't think Janine was actually going to die, but the anticlimax of both Janine and Esther making it through apparently just fine from that ordeal was a little odd under the circumstances. I'm just not sure that Lydia weeping over Janine's bedside taught us anything new about her. We've seen her grapple with her temper before, we've seen her humbled by her choices, and we see her twisted love for "her girls" all the time. I'm just not sure what to take away from this.

This isn't so much a complaint as it is a question, a hope for the future of the season... we've checked in a couple times now with the Canadian people who are pro-Gilead, there to encourage Serena, seeing her as a symbol. I'd love to get a little more in these people's heads. Is it just... Evangelical Christianity? Is there anything more going on there? Do these people uniformly believe that they would be among the Wives and Commanders of Gilead, and thus don't appreciate the true horror of what's happening along class and subjective morality lines? I just wish we knew a little more about why we've got folks on Serena's side, here. 

Pros:

Serena making a play to stay in Gilead and then being rejected, sent back to Canada... OOF that was so much. I was kind of torn about whether I wanted her to go back or not. The interplay in Gilead is so intense, with everyone being polite and congratulating her on the baby, but also that lingering truth that even though they're offering their condolences, they were definitely planning on killing Fred after a trial anyway. But on the other hand, back in Gilead we've got June and Serena's rivalry, which is obviously such a fascinating thing to focus on.

I think the scenes with Serena and Commander Lawrence were some of the strongest this week. Lawrence has declared that he won't remarry, but it's not clear how long he's going to be allowed to get away with that. Serena makes a play for him, basically, thinking that they can both solve their widow/widower problem in one fell swoop, but Lawrence doesn't take the bait. That scene of him feeling the baby kick contrasts so well with the next day, when Lawrence is sitting on the side of the men who want to kick Serena back out of the country, so she can be an ambassador for their cause. Unofficially, of course.

We also get to see another example of Mayday, as June and Moira go to meet up with some people near the border, in order to get a message to Nick. It was really touching for June to realize that she really had been part of a bigger network, that Mayday existed and continues to exist, that what June did to get people out of Gilead matters, and is part of a bigger tradition. I loved that!

And because of Mayday, June gets to talk to Nick on the phone. They have a conversation about Nick's new wife Rose, and what's going on with Hannah (called Agnes by her current "parents"). I loved this conversation because it was simultaneously incredibly fraught as they discussed things like Hannah's fate of being transferred to a school for future Wives, and Nick saying he can't call for a while due to the risk he's taking. But it was also... a conversation between exes who still love each other? June offering tentative congratulations on Nick's new marriage, this sad sense of what could have been if circumstances had been different. I love that Nick wanted to be the one to break the news to June, and makes a point of telling her that he's told his new wife all about her. Man, these two have such a fascinating relationship. Luke is a nice guy, but it's gotta be Nick, doesn't it?

While I wasn't too sure about the stuff with Aunt Lydia in this episode, the scene where Janine's daughter gets to visit her, along with Mrs. Putnam, actually made me tear up. Mrs. Putnam is an active and seemingly willing participant in a horrific system that rapes and enslaves people regularly. She also clearly loves Angela, as twisted as that is, and when she promised that Angela would know of Janine's smile and warm, gentle nature, I believe that she meant it.

When June showed up to threaten Serena at the end of the episode, I had a moment where I wondered if it was in Serena's head. It happened so suddenly, and with no warning, and I love how intense it was! Nick Tuello is really in the middle of the world's most twisted rivalry between these two women, both of whom I think he sort of... respects, in this weird way? That's fun to watch play out.

This episode didn't really push anything definitively forward, in the quest to get Hannah back, or any of the other big goals. But it played around with these interesting character dynamics, which is the thing I love about the show to begin with!

8.5/10

#review #handmaid's tale #handmaid's tale review #the handmaids tale #the handmaids tale review #the handmaid's tale #handmaids tale

[mavkasilas]

What does death take away from you?

Something that I want to write about for a long time. It’s a kinda sad and serious story, about what will happen between Oliver and Percy during the battle at Hogwarts.

For example: Percy and Oliver reunited with each other when the war ended and the fact of Fred's death.

I might not write in that deep, but I wish I can express the scenes to you guys.

Also, I will split this story into 2 part.

"I'm ok. I'm fine."

Watching the person you love saying that they are fine while you know they are not, is the cruellest thing you wish you didn't hear from them.

"How come you are fine? You are on the edge, my dear."

Oliver whispers.

In front of him is a terrified Percy.

The war just ended, no one will be fine and complete. Everything has been ripped into pieces by the war: the buildings, the bodies, the memories and the hopes.

No one is fine, no one.

Even though the sun shines through the dark cloud and pours on them, no one ever actually felt warm. With the body piles lying around the place, it almost drives Percy insane.

It feels like a deja vu. 

Somehow, Percy feels like he has seen these scenes before, he swears. Flashbacks hit him like a train wreck, he looks at his hands which are covered in blood, not him but Fred’s.

Percy finally recalled it.

The reason he feels familiar is that he has seen it from the Ministry, the Ministry that Voldermort took over. Turns out they were a prophecy to him, to warn the idiocy of him. How come he never learn the lessons from it? The day he became one of the slaughter just to avoid getting killed by the death eaters, he should have known it.

"Should I be ok? Should I be fine? I shouldn’t be breathing while Freddie is lying over there! He shouldn’t be there! I should be the one lying over there, I should be the one lying over there……"

Percy's voice is trembling. He sounds so lost and hopeless.

He tries so much to hide his fear but clearly, he didn't do it very well.

He didn’t fear losing his life. 

He will give up his life without any hesitation if someone told him there’s a way he can bring back Freddie from the underworld. The only thing he is afraid of is facing his family. How should he tell his family that he was the one watching Freddie dies in front of him, and he fails to protect his brother?

Oliver was just a few steps from him, he could have just run to him, held his hand and find some console from him.

But he couldn't move, even a tiny step.

His legs are numb, his body is cold, his hands are sore and his chest is in unbearable pain. Every inch of the muscles on his body is yelling for pain. He is broking into pieces and he can’t stop himself.

"Percy....."

Oliver wishes he can immediately run towards Percy. But there are piles of bodies between them. Death surrounded everyone, even the survivors could not escape from it too.

It has a different name, we call it 'survivor guilt'. It is worse than death, a terrible sibling that death has.

One step…

Two steps…

Four steps…

Five steps.

It took five steps for Oliver to walk to Percy, but he feels like it took him forever to walk to him.

"Oliver..."

"I'm here."

"Oliver..."

"I'm here."

As soon as Oliver kneels beside Percy, he immediately holds his hands. They are so small and skinny, compared to his.

“How should I tell mom, especially Georgie that I lost Freddie? They were right, I shouldn’t come back, I only make things worse than before. He should have escaped from the explosion but I distracted him. He… he was so young, Ollie, he was so young… My Freddie… he’s… gone.”

Percy buries his face into Oliver’s arms. They are so warm, like the blanket of his that Molly knitted for him. But no matter how hard he tries to warm himself, still feels like surrounded by the Winter.

Maybe, he was dead too, with Fred in that explosion. Part of him has died when his beloved brother’s dead body falls onto him.

“No no no, don’t say that, Perce.”

Oliver gently shushes the boy.

He puts his hand on Percy’s head, patting it like how his ma usually pats him when he had nightmares. He hopes this will comfort Percy, although he knows this action doesn’t help too much.

This probably will sound very selfish and cold blood, but Oliver was gladful when he found out Percy was still safe and sound.

“Why are you still standing beside me? Ollie. I’m not worthy, just a dumb, arrogant and ignorant man. You should have chosen someone wiser than me, probably Harry.”

“Yes, you should have chosen Harry. He was right and I was wrong, terribly wrong and coward.”

As soon as Percy starts coughing, the sudden pain in his chest sends him to the ground. The pain didn’t stop his murmurs, even though his lungs feel on fire. Slowly, his visions are blurry and he can barely move.

This caught Oliver off guard.

He doesn’t know what’s going on with Percy, he seems fine, with no big scars and bleeding wounds on his body. But then again, everything seemed wrong. His clothes were ripped and bloody, and Oliver feels something wet on his hands. Not tears, not sweats but liquid with a familiar sweet rusty smell.

Blood, the smell of blood. There are plenty of them coming out of Percy's mouth and eyes.

A scream echoes through the yard. 

Percy is clearly in pain, his body twitches like a bunch of untied rope. His hands keep covering his chest, which gives Oliver a hint to the guess. Something is hurting Percy, maybe...... it was a curse. Oliver recalls back the conversation he and Percy had about a few minutes ago.

What did he say? 

Oh come on, think! Think! You piece of dumbshit, Oliver. Your friend is dying in front of you, you got to save him!

The voices screaming inside Oliver’s head make his stomach churn.

He's the only thing now you can save before everything is late. If not, he will never know what's going on inside of your head. The reason for you to join this battle is not only for Hogwarts, right? Percy is also one of the reasons, isn't it?

His mind keeps screaming at him to act faster, but he needs to calm down before reaching him, to make sure nothing else happens, to save him.

"....He should have escaped from the explosion, but I distracted him."

That's it! The explosion might be the reason why Percy is in so much hurt. 

With the thoughts, Oliver forceful but also gently remove Percy's hands from his chest. He's right, there's blood slowly soaking through his shirt.

"Hey, hey! Percy, stay with me. Don't you ever dare to close your eyes, open them! Fuck it...."

His voice breaks when he sees Percy trying to blink.

Oliver wants to cry, to scream, the more he puts pressure on his chest to stop the blood from coming out, the more they bleed. He needs to find Hermoine or Madam Pomfrey, they shall know which type of curse Percy has been hitting on, and they shall pull him away from joining the death.

"Please don't die. Please don't die! You're the last thing I have left..."

He feels a warm hand holding his arm. Percy is looking at him with such an expression, that Oliver doesn't know what it means. The panic slowly crawls onto his feet and starts consuming his sanity. He has seen too many dead in one day, but Percy's shouldn't be one of them.

"Ollie....."

Percy mumbles under his breath, Oliver tries to hear what he said, he shakes his shoulder to get him to speak but it's useless. The blood has filled up his throat and lungs, just like a drowning person, Percy is slowly suffocated by his blood.

Does he feel scared? Probably yes.

Facing death on your own is not an easy thing, especially when someone is still by your side, trying to help you escape from it. Sounds and colour started to fade away from Percy's eyes.

His limbs are cold and numb, is this how Freddie feels? Percy wonders.

"No... no, come on, please. Wake up!"

"What's going on here?! Oliver! "

Hermoine runs towards them.

Finally, a saviour that Oliver has been searching for. 

She glides towards them and kneels beside Percy. The amount of blood coming out from Percy's chest scared the shit out of her. Although she tries to be calm and determined, but her hands have betray her.

There is no way Weasleys will lose another child today, not on her watch. Granger, you must be calm, she told herself.

"How did this happen?"

"I don't know, I think he might be hit with a curse. Maybe an explosion curse? He was with...'

"He was with who?"

"He was with Fred."

Hermoine chokes on Oliver's answer. She changes a glance with Oliver, without any communication he understands her meaning. The Weasleys have found out about Fred's death.

"No, maybe it's not the curse. If he was hit by an explosion curse, he should be dead now. Take off his clothes, I need a better look."

Oliver is glad that he was found by Hermoine, or else he definitely will have a meltdown. He wipes the tears from his eyes and starts ripping off Percy's clothes. As soon as his bare chest was exposed to the air, both of them gasp a little.

Hermoine was right.

It was not a curse, it was something else worse than a curse. A piece of gravel stuck on Percy's chest. The gravel is as sharp as the knife, as thin as the ice, it's hard to get it out from the chest. It might contain some very tiny curse power on it, that’s why Percy couldn’t stop bleeding and in so much pain.

The wound is so deep that if Oliver tried harder, he could cut Percy's heart right there. It looks almost impossible, but he has done impossible things before.

"What are you going to do?"

"To save him! Obviously!"

With an Accio, a dagger flies to them from nowhere. Who the hell would bring a dagger to a curse fight? Probably those murderers, those cold blood death eaters. They love to play dirty, nothing surprise.

Oliver slowly starts cutting at Percy's skin, trying to reach the stone while Hermoine assistances him. She looks at Oliver with an unbelievable look. Seems like the war between them and Voldemort really changes a person a lot.

She doesn't know whether it's a good thing or not. To fully grow up in such situations, you need a huge amount of traumatising experience. The scar on her upper arm is the best example.

"Come on Percy, don't you dare to leave me behind... wake up..."

Oliver murmurs while concentrating to get the gravel out from Percy's chest. They were almost there, the wound is wide enough for them to take out the gravel but Oliver's hand is too big to handle that frangible gravel.

"Let me help you."

Hermoine let go of Percy's arms and slowly stuck her fingers into his chest. It's incredible to feel the warmth of Percy's blood, she can feel his heart thumping weakly. This is her first time sticking her fingers into someone's chest.

Everything feels so..... awkward and incredible.

Blood splashes on her face as soon as she pulls out the gravel successfully from Percy's chest.

Her eyes immediately fill with tears when she sees two large holes where the stones used to be. Oliver looks like crying too, but then again, he doesn't show it. He breathes a sigh of relief as he saw Hermoinen successfully remove the gravel from Percy's chest.

"Thank Merlin."

Hermoine whispers while staring into the hole she made.

It wasn't the first time Oliver has performed a healing spell, but it was the first time he performs it on someone he loves who is nearly dying in front of him.

"You love him, don't you?"

"What are you talking about?"

Oliver looks at Hermoine as he puts down his wand on the ground. His voice is a bit shaken by Hermoine's words. Does he look obvious? He thought that he hide it very well.

"Eyes won't lie, Oliver. I always know."

Hermoine gently taps on Oliver's shoulder when she stands up. 

Back in the day, she used to question the relationship between Percy and Oliver. It is weird for Oliver to be Percy's one and only best friend. Their personalities are so different, Percy is solemn most of the time and Oliver is a playful person.

But now, she understands.

Whatever Oliver has done, he did it for love.

“Take him to the Great Hall, Madam Pomfrey is there treating every wounder. His family is there too. They should be reunited, at this point.”

It’s time for her to go to reach out to Harry and Ron. She turns to see Oliver again before she leaves them.

“Do you ever plan to tell him?”

“Percy, tell him how you feel about him.”

Oliver remains silent. He moves his eyes away, clearly, he is avoiding the question. He dare to kill in the war but he didn’t dare to confess his feeling to someone he loves.

“I think you should.”

He knows what Hermoine means. Keeps running away from it then one day he will receive tons of regret for being a coward.

Percy, who just escape from death now is sleeping safe and sound on Oliver’s lap. He looks more vulnerable and small after losing tons of blood. His lips are dry and his face is pale. Oliver takes off his jacket and covers it with Percy.

As the dark clouds swallow the bright from the sun, Hermoine leaves them alone.

-’What does death takes away from you?’ Part 1 end-

#percy weasley #percy weasley and oliver wood #percy x oliver #percy weasley x oliver wood #Percy #Harry Potter #harry potter fandom #harry potter fanfiction #fred weasley #oliver wood

[purplepenntapus]

can you explain what you mean specifically by that, irt the writing a twin thing? i want to improve but don't really know what to do with ''stop writing twins until you talk to one.'' what specifically is being messed up frequently?

Alright yeah that’s fair. I’ll give a more conceptual explanation and then just some general tips about things I’ve seen.

I think one of the biggest things that makes people’s interpretations of twins uncomfortable for me to read as a real twin, is this romanticized idea that being a twin is like a higher form of sibling, rather than being a subset of sibling. Having a twin is different from having an older sibling in the same way that having an older sibling is different from having a younger sibling. It’s a different dynamic sure but still a distinctly sibling dynamic. A lot of the time when people write Donnie and Leo being twins they do so in a sense that because they are twins, they are closest to each other and understand each other best and are each other’s favorites, which comes from a place of fans just liking their dynamic as individual characters and portraying them as what they, intentionally or unintentionally, see as a “closer” form of sibling so they can explore their relationship, which I understand. But it’s gotten to a point where the headcanon is so pervasive that Donnie and Leo almost don’t have a presence in the fandom outside of being “the twins,” there’s almost NO content where it isn’t touched upon. At one point I watched a video of someone doing funny introductions for all the characters and then it got to Donnie and Leo were introduced together as “The twins” and it triggered some really deep trauma and made me irrationally angry because these two completely separate characters are being lumped together because people arbitrarily decided they were twins and therefore they are now most interesting as a matched set.

The unfortunate thing is that no matter how much people might think it doesn’t. Fiction affects the way you treat people in real life. If someone has never met a twin in real life the only thing they have to go off of is what they’ve seen on the internet or what they’ve consumed through media and whether they realize it or not that colors the way they interact with us and leads to uncomfortable situations. My twin and I have been well aware our whole lives that our existence is a commodity to people. Back in the height of Ouran Highschool Host Club and Hikaru and Kaoru’s popularity people literally asked my sister and I if we would kiss for them. In college I wrote a piece about how people treat twins as a commodity and the class spent the rest of my critique time interrogating me with prying twin questions until my friend pointed out they were literally doing what I’d written about in my piece. So a fandom wide headcanon like this—that has no canon basis because they weren’t hatched from the same egg, they’re only questionably the same age, and they aren’t even the same type of turtle, so they only reason people decided they were twins was so they could apply their preconceived notions about the kind of relationship twins have onto them—is just uncomfortable to me.

Now for just some general tips, not necessarily specific to the Rise fandom:

- We DO NOT call each other “twin” or any variation of it. I’ve actually never met another set of twins that doesn’t hate being called twin. If you know a set of twins and ever call them “twin” or “the twins” please stop, they hate it, they’re not gonna say anything about it, but they hate it.

-We don’t constantly talk at the same time or finish each other’s sentences. I blame Fred and George and Hikaru and Kaoru for this one. Yes, it happens sometimes, but in the same way that if you’ve had a close friend for years you might finish their sentence for them or have the same thought at the same time. I can’t tell you how annoying it is whenever there’s twin characters and all their dialogue is just speaking at the same time or sharing sentences.

-We really don’t care about who the older twin is, except for maybe MAYBE teasing (and that’s really only as children). We’re more likely to tease about who’s taller, who stole all the health points when the egg split, etc.

-likewise twins don’t have an older sibling/younger sibling dynamic. Despite there technically being an older and younger sibling when you grow up at the same time you don’t get the same socialization that siblings who are a year or more apart.

-We aren’t inherently closer to each other than anybody else in our lives and concurrently we don’t always know each other BETTER than anyone else. That may be true of SOME twins but just like any other kind of sibling it depends fully on how they grew up, how they were raised, how outside people interacted with them, etc.

-Twins are SEPARATE PEOPLE. Despite the fact that we look similar and are often very close, twins are not just a matched set. We have different personalities, different likes and dislikes. There are similarities for sure, but in the same way that any set of siblings have similarities from growing up in the same environment.

-Don’t give them combined powers. Super speed but only when they’re touching, telepathy, etc. If I never see another set of twins with the power to duplicate themselves again it’ll be too soon.

-Most of what people think of as twin cliches comes from the unique socialization twins get from society growing up. We kept to ourselves because people didn’t know how to approach us. We went everywhere together because no one wanted to invite us anywhere on our own for fear of hurting the other person’s feelings. People will just blatantly refuse to use our real names because they’re worried about mixing us up. A lot of times when twins are really close it’s because that’s the only person who truly recognized you as an individual and not part of a matched set. It mostly happens with identical twins, which is why fraternal twins, particularly different gendered twins, often avoid the “weird twin” label because they aren’t as easily clockable and are therefore treated more normally throughout their lives. Characters like Donnie and Leo who were raised outside of society (in the sewers) wouldn’t have this kind of socialization because they literally just haven’t interacted with anyone outside of their immediate family and April

That’s all I can think of currently and I need to go to bed thank you for coming to my Ted Talk

#rambles #penn answers things #twins

[riverdale-retread]

Riverdale S6B Ep #108 (“Ex Libris”)

This episode is supposed to be about library books, but actually this seems to be the Season of the Reggie Mantle Ascendancy!

Barchie are not pregnant.  Betty is worried about carrying on her dire family legacy.  Archie thinks that Fred having been a ‘good father’ will somehow just carry on through him, even though he is categorically such a different man from what Fred was. 

Veronica, smarting from being rejected by someone she never very much valued, goes on the offensive to attack Reggie as he’s packing to leave.  Reggie suddenly gives as good as he gets to point out that Veronica has killed a husband and a father, which doesn’t really make her the most promising girlfriend material.  “You’ve never spared my feelings before,” is such a damning assessment you can get from someone breaking up with you, isn’t it? (Consider the stark contrast to how Jabitha are constantly sparing each other from their own distress!). 

But. 

I am having SUCH A GOOD TIME with Reggie just laying Veronica out flat like this. I don’t know why this is happening, but I am here for it!  The mercilessly accurate way he lays out Veronica’s tendency to latch on to men?  The way he’s so articulate and calm?   Nice!

This is the library book episode of Riverdale.

Percival, accompanied by deputies with shotguns (!) visits each of the main residence of Riverdale to demand the return of library books they checked out as children, in commemoration of the library itself being shut down.   When someone is unable to produce the book on demand, Percival takes something valuable as ‘collateral.’

Jughead:  Metamorphosis ←→ the inscribed Baxter Bros. book his grandpa wrote & sent him

Archie: Songwriting From The Heart  ←→ Archie’s guitar (Percival has a nugget of palladium)

Veronica: Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig  ←→  Hiram’s portrait.

Chery: Flowers in the Attic ←→ Jason’s body

Betty:  Small Engine Repairs  ←→ Her diary

Reggie:  ACTUALLY HAS THE BOOK.  Dyslexia. 

My first thought was “Do they not have ebay?” but later it’s revealed that there is some form of ebay in Riverdale, so that’s good.

Interesting things are revealed.  

Thousands of dollars is a dire threat to Archie and Jughead, but of no consequence to Veronica.  Jail time matters to Veronica. 

Cheryl is a great match for Percival.  I hope Tabitha figures out that Cheryl should be at the forefront of the fight against Percival. 

Betty I think is supposed to be being persecuted by Alice. But this actually makes me feel contempt for Betty. Alice is being exactly how she always was, and it’s not clear why the fuck Betty keeps letting this happen?  I want to respect Betty, Riverdale, so please, let her move out of this stupid house.

Percival says what I said last episode about Reggie Mantle, after making a very wonderful unexpected-delight sound when Reggie produces his book.  “There’s more than meets the eye with you.”  Reggie and Percival also have the same haircut.

Jughead convenes a meeting, which means they meet at the Jabitha residence. (Tabitha is out of town trying to get Pop’s declared a landmark).  Why don’t they have all their meetings here?    He launches into a speech about the benefits of reading which is very funny coming from a TV show.  That books are ‘terrifying’ to would-be-despots. Are they though?  This is such a Cold-War Stalinist kind of strawman we’re positing, and even then, were those guys actually afraid of books? 

CHERYL HAS VISITED HOBO AND HIS NEW BRIDE AT THEIR RESIDENCE.  I was actually quite shocked by this.   She says the only worthwhile thing (Sorry, Jughead, but your speech, inclusive of the factoids about how ‘some states’ deal with overdue library books etc was just filler).  “There’s a whiff of sorcery about all of this.”  And yet - AND YET - possibly for the first time ever, Cheryl and Jughead agree completely about something:  Books are immensely powerful.  Cheryl, the one who never accepts fate as handed to her, is the one better suited than Jughead (always fated to die) to perceive that what Percival has on them are both intimate knowledge about their formative years and objects of personal importance, which as a witch she would think are imbued with magical powers. 

Percival, in conversation with Kevin, calls the OG Riverdale Five “demagogues.” His mission is to punish them for their hypocrisy, and torture them a bit.  Kevin is such shit, because he suddenly is worried about their well being. 

Kevin:  Lord of the Flies (no collateral).

Percival’s magic (sorcery, whatever) is done by lighting candles and reciting Latin. He’s of the Nana Rose school of witchcraft.

Archie gets mocked by his stupid meathead students at the RROTC about his guitar playing, festival participating past.  Reggie can’t read anything without the dyslexia book.  Betty develops an extreme sensitivity to bleach scents, to the extent that she hallucinates her father.  Veronica sees a spider on her portrait but when she whacks at it, it’s gone. 

Sidebar:   Veronica is, just like Jughead, often a bit wrong about the literary references she uses, and now the way the show uses The Kiss if the Spider Woman is in alignment with that.  Is this an intentional joke about how Veronica Lodge has never read a book by Riverdale? Because if so, I love this.  By the same token, while he’s looking for Metamorphosis on Riverdale Ebay, Jughead starts to develop a painful looking eczema on his hands.  Which is also not what happens in Metamorphosis, so this is a second joke, this time about Jughead Jones also never having read a book!  (Ok well not quite. Jughead is shown reading Dune, for example, and flipping through lots of texts about serial killers.) I barely watched this scene where Jughead’s hands are coming apart in his, um, hands, because I cannot cope with horror, but I am pretty sure a fingernail comes off.

Betty goes to claim her diary back from Percival. He refuses to give it up but permits her to read it in the shop redolent with the scent of bleach.  

Cheryl, wearing stiletto heels in her own house alone, hearings the sounds of a girl giggling and goes looking for the source.  The sounds that identify Heather for Cheryl are two fold, actually: Girlish giggling and orgasmic sighing.  OK, Cheryl. Yup.  Whatever it is that was sitting under the sheets on the bed in her attic dematerializes into a pile of scarlet rose petals. 

Percival plays the cello (rather than the guitar he confiscated), forcing Archie to hallucinate a very creepy Miss Grundy zombie doing the same in the music room.  Meanwhile, Jughead’s skin condition gets worse and DUDES Jughead never read Metamorphosis. He must’ve carried that book around like a talisman to keep himself tethered to the world while he was homeless, because THIS IS NOT HOW GREGOR SAMSA TURNS INTO A BUG OK?  This is however how Jeff Goldblum turns into a fly in that one movie with Geena Davis (the correct reference that Jughead makes is to Cronenberg, not Kafka.)

Reggie ascendancy is still with us (somewhat) and I want to keep hoping for the best.  He wants his dyslexia book back.  Reggie has intuitively made the leap that Cheryl (an actual witch) has done - that this is a magical object for him.  I will permanently adore Reggie and place him above all others for the way he has absolutely no interest whatsoever in dealing a parting blow to Veronica Lodge, even though he acknowledges that their break up was brutal. Unfortunately, Percival (like Hiram, like the wise guys, like Veronica) has cottoned on to Reggie’s extreme usefulness as a henchman.  Percival uses the voice on him to deliver a (cursed?) glamerge egg to Veronica. 

Back with Archie, Betty tells Archie about another one of her repressed childhood memories.  She associates the smell of bleach with Hal’s serial killer ways.  Unlike the time she had to brain a cat with a rock, she just simply didn’t understand what she was witnessing because she was a child.   

Betty Cooper has the most vainglorious egotism of anyone on this show, and because I was very similar, I am going to call her out.  Betty thinks she’s the smartest, most perceptive, most responsible person on the planet, and that because she is gifted with these massive, exceptional brain powers she owes it to humanity to be on top of shit all the time.  “It was right under my nose. And I missed it.”  She says this about something that happened when she was 12.  By the same token, Alice missed this too, but Betty truly believes she’s smarter than all other people who have existed, so Alice is excused her blindness. One of the ways to break out of this way of thinking is to remind yourself that you’re not that special.  It’s very liberating.  I’d like that for Betty, for someone to tell her that she is just not that exceptional, so she can relax.

When Betty asks Archie if something strange happened to him, he lies at first (“Nothing”) and then amends to say “Nothing I want to talk about” but the blinding egotism that Betty suffers from makes her a bad listener.  Why is she so incompetent as an investigator?  Nothing I want to talk about means something did happen, but she just glides on by.  Of course, the reason Archie can’t bring up his Grundy related trauma is because Betty was such an asshole about it when she first discovered it.  She’d been enraged at the time that Archie didn’t want to be sexual with her, so he’s not comfortable talking about it now.  

Jughead goes to Sketch Alley. He finds a lone man, Hank, who spookily says that the clearly magic spell that Percival put on the homeless there was worded to leave Hank out (“He said walk. It’s the one thing I can’t do.”)  Jughead Jones doesn’t believe in magic yet, so he impatiently asks to see if there’s a way to find Doc so he can try to get the book he didn’t read back from his old friend.  Everyone walked to California!  Is this deus ex machina homeless man in a wheelchair some sort of guardian angel?    The stuff he says sounds absolutely sarcastic (“I may have a number for a payphone on Venice Beach”) but it’s meant to be sincere!

Veronica has received the Glamerge egg left by Reggie.  Despite being subjected to the Voice, Reggie didn’t deliver the egg in person.  Smithers can’t find the Puig book, so Veronica namechecks The Strand in NYC which made me sad.  The Strand NYC 2022 is not the place it used to be in days of yore that made it famous.  (Fun Note! They got declared a landmark against their will, which then fucked up its entire business plan of having lots of old and rare books. It’s now just a Barnes and Noble type business inside the building that used to house the true Strand.)  When Veronica opens the egg, she hallucinates spiders spewing out of it, but the moment passes. 

Moose had the copy of the Lord of the Flies!   When he hands it back to Kevin, Kevin says the saddest thing:  That he identified with Piggy and still does, no matter what transformation he was able to bring about on his external physical self.

Cheryl calls the next meeting, bringing everyone to Thornhill. What follows is a very sober exposition dump about how the magic Percival is using works. When Cheryl asks if this resonates with anyone, the only one with enough honesty, emotional courage and open heartedness  (because he STILL trusts all these people!) is Jughead.  His hands look very messed up. Jughead Jones’ biggest fear is that he’s going to die alone having only written one book. (This better not be foreshadowing or I swear to GOD).

The alternatives that Cheryl lays out are pretty stark as well as being surprisingly sensible.  Either fulfill the demands of the spell (Find Library Books, Get Back Personal Totems) or face their demons.  Archie absolutely does not feel ready to face his demons, so he breaks into the shop to just steal back his item.  Percival is way ahead of him.  He’s left a note on the cursed cello for Archie, mocking him.

Jughead goes back to see the (so far ) not an angel deus ex machina man that is Hank, who apparently really has gotten in touch with Doc in Venice Beach via payphone.  Doc has sold the book to a Barney’s Book Barn in Allentown. Allentown is real, the bookshop is not.  

Some smugfaced asshole among Archie’s RROTC class mocks Archie because somehow he’s figured out that Archie had a sexual relationship with Grundy.  Archie absolutely gets triggered, threatens a kid, and then violently destroys a cello when he is engulfed with memories of Grundy.  Did the showmakers know at this point that S7 would be the last one for the show?  Bringing up Grundy now (and using the S1 footage) is very odd.

Next comes the most upsetting thing I’ve ever seen on Riverdale.  Percival seduces Kevin by promising a release from past demons of bad self image and self esteem and then they kiss and I find this repellent. The show has figured out two was to gross me out now - Foni’s male-female bisexual kiss (which they couldn’t even bear to show me in bright lighting) and now this.  A kiss between two objectively good looking men (Percival and Kevin) that gave me the absolute heebie jeebies. 

Just to twist the knife, Archie has to deal with Betty coming home wearing the heart shaped Kubrik’s Lolita sunglasses that Grundy used to wear.  Betty is very appropriate to Archie, using the right language (he’s right to be triggered, because he was groomed).   Is this the show’s apology for their very outdated “hot for teacher” storyline back in S1?

Jughead, looking exactly like he did when he went to the underground movie party, is on the most urgent used bookstore browsing of his life.  

Veronica did exactly as Reggie suggested. She’s called Heraldo over to not have to be alone.  The next morning, Heraldo is dead.  He suffered a very bad death too from the looks of him.  Veronica’s first action after the removal of Heraldo’s corpse is to call Reggie to yell at him.  (”Idiot!” “You fool!”)

Betty’s FBI office uses faxes.  The other TBK victim who survived said that the killer always left a light on for her.   This triggers a second memory for Betty involving her dad.  He leaves a nightlight on, before telling his little daughter that they are both monsters.  Betty decides that they need to look for a serial killer with a daughter.

Jughead has found the books. 

To make up to me for the deeply upsetting Percival-Kevin kiss scene, Riverdale gifted me with Reggie (REGGIE ASCENDANCY! I AM HERE FOR IT!) confronting Percival.  First, Reggie checked the egg before giving it to Veronica, even though (let me say this again) he was being compelled by “The Voice.”  KING.  Second, the way he asks Percival if he’s a wizard means he’s smarter than the rest of the ‘core’ members put together because they all needed to be TOLD by Cheryl what was going on, more than once.  Reggie just figured it out by himself.   He wants  to learn. 

All together at the Jabitha residence, Jughead is congratulated by Cheryl for finding the books “With his bookish ways.” She calls him Nerd not Hobo, which I think is a step up in her estimation.  Archie, still enraged, says that if Percival doesn’t keep his end of the bargain he will commit murder via arson.  This turns on Jughead, of course, leading him to give Archie the most inappropriately loving smile in response to such an outburst.  Veronica doesn’t want the Hiram portrait back.  Cheryl says they have to perform a ‘ritual’ when they get the things back. 

At the Curiosity Shop, Percival smarmily offers to give everything back to everyone except Veronica, who makes a grand statement: No one has power over me. 

Oh dear. Famous last words??

Right before Cheryl’s ritual, Betty tells Archie that she is now finally aware that she is an absolute font of repressed memories.  Cheryl’s suggestion is to set the whole set of things on fire.  Jughead does not want to set the book on fire - because it’s a book, because it’s his grandpa’s, because he’s sentimental about remembrance, and about legacy.  So that’s Hiram’s portrait and the first Baxter Bros. book still in play.

Meanwhile, Percival is being super cute and making a list of his besties in his notebook.  A. Cooper, T. Keller. F Andrews. K. Keller. R. Mantle.   

Doctor Curdle Jr. tells Veronica that though Heraldo did actually die of a black widow spider venom, he wasn’t bitten by a spider.  The venom entered Heraldo’s body through his lips.  We zoom in on Veronica’s unhappy, pretty mouth.  (Um. Shout out to the Tumblrinas who pointed out that Curdle Jr. looked as unhappy as he did because he did not want to discuss any other points of entry on Heraldo’s body that made contact with Veronica’s. I understand what you meant now.)

#I am playing catch up maniacally because i am normal about my hobbies #riverdale opinion #riverdale episode 6.13 #riverdale episode 108 #reggie mantle #jughead jones #Riverdale s6 #riverdale recap #riverdale episode recap

[georgegraphys]

Hi Ari!

I think a like a month ago we’ve talked about how it seems like Elkann made the decision to hire Lewis without consulting with anyone. To me this title sponsor news seems to collaborate that idea. Ive found this article since, and to me that shows Fred was definiatelly not told beforehand about signing Lewis.

https://scuderiafans.com/according-to-fred-vasseur-ferrari-finally-has-a-leader-a-subtle-dig-at-carlos-sainz-after-abu-dhabi-qualifying/#google_vignette

Can you tell me please what did you mean by Elkann paying for everything? I cant really find anything online (probably because Im useless in these kind of searches).

Could signing Lewis put them on such a financially difficult spot that they need a title sponsor? I agree that it goes against their views about how they are a legacy team. I remember when the visa cashup rb was announced all the tifosi were writing about how great it was that their team “the real legacy f1 team” didnt need a title sponsor.

I mean ferrari itself doesnt seem to be in a bad financial state. The stock is high, they had record numbers in q4 and the whole 2023. So I dont really understand why now?

Here you go. Ferrari actually 'pays' for it but of course we don't know the details. But what we know is that his Mission 44 was to be invested by Elkann's Exor NV (so far I have never seen a mention of it being signed in a contract yet)

But anyways here is the thing. Mercedes is rich. And so is Ferrari. They have great sales but that doesn't mean they are WILLING to pay that much for an F1 driver or invest that much in Formula One. It is not always about them financially struggling. But more of a loss? Like if they paid for everything, that'd be a loss no matter how rich they are and every pennies count even in big multinational corporations.

I don't think signing Lewis put Ferrari in a struggle. Neither did Mercedes just because they don't wanna pay more. It's that, Formula One, is not their main business. It's their venture and subsidiary. The Formula One venture has its own budget given each year from Ferrari. So that separates Ferrari (car brand)'s wealth to Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team's wealth. I don't know why they acquired a sponsor. Could be because it exceeded the F1 team budget or they view it as *cough* too much *cough* but there are lots of factors really.

But if we're thinking about is it worth it to acquire a title sponsor? Brand wise? No. LH wage wise? Yes. $100M? I almost barf and laugh at the deal. Because it's a bit ridiculous if you see it from a business standpoint. LH is the man of the sport, a GOAT. But I am not speaking here from a sports fan standpoint, i'm here speaking from a business standpoint that no matter how much you own, every pennies count. I feel like $100M is crazy much especially seeing Charles is also an expensive driver. I am sure they have their own research team to see if everything will be worth the price or not (unless Elkann is a crazy money thrower that did not plan this beforehand) but yeah... in my opinion, i'd understand if Ferrari decides to hire a title sponsor. $100M is simply too ridiculously expensive for Ferrari to pay it alone.

But it may be worth it for Ferrari idk how they calculate it. I share similar views with Kallenius ig 🤣🤣 (And this is not just about LH but to any other F1 drivers, some are overpriced in my opinion). But honestly? Their decision on hiring a title partner and also 'staining' their legacy is a part of the $100M consequence. Idealistically, it isn't wise. Seeing from how it just ruins the 'legacy team, don't need anyone' persona but it's the consequences of their own decision. And to make that decision, i'm sure they've calculated everything.

A wrong or right business decision is heavily subjective. I'm more of a money pincher person. But Ferrari are big headed traditionalist yk. They love everything big and grandeur even if it's not it sometimes. That's why their brand is different from Mercedes. Both targets rich people but the niche is different. Lastly, it is not because Ferrari is poor or can't pay. But Ferrari wealth does not equal or belong to Scuderia Ferrari F1 and can be used by them freely as they wanted to. Scuderia Ferrari F1 is just another subsidiary or side venture.

#ari's asks #corporate talks