#go ahead! be cynical! not me though

[helluvapoison]

Okay okay I think I got it!!

Imagine the Vees entering like a side room or something and finding cannibal! Reader (literally) tearing into some random person that was caught snooping around by them (reader). How would they react do you think?

No pressure to write this if you don't want too. Love your writing, your recent Zestial one was so cute!!!

-Cannibal Anon :))

Nice To Eat You

[i]

The Vees x Cannibal!Reader

warning: suggestive and dark themes ahead, blood and gore, violence, security shenanigans and, hello, cannibalism

Admittedly, you’d gotten rather careless with your beloved around. Who can blame you when they make you feel on top of the world? With you at their side they felt a bit untouchable too. More so than usual. However someone had broken into their dressing room and wrote something foul on the mirror. You saw red. This wouldn’t happen again.

Cannibals were rather good at sniffing out something rotten.

ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ

˚✧₊⁎ Velvette ⁎⁺˳✧༚

• Witnessing crocs make a comeback in Hell was the worst sight she’s seen to date

• Blood doesn’t particularly bother her, though she hates the mess of it all

• Despite the jokes shared between the two of you, it was sort of unspoken that you would keep your dietary habits away from your girlfriend

• She couldn’t help the gasp when she looked up from her phone, seeing blood spilling from your mouth

• You stiffened, matching her wide eyed expression

• Fuck, you never wanted her to see you like this

• Whipping around, you spat out the flesh and began furiously wiping your face with your sleeve

• “Stop!” Velvette shouts, daring to rush over and grab your shoulder

• Suppressing a flinch, you freeze at her command but refuse to face her

• “Who’s this then?”

• Your reply is bitter like the taste on your tongue, “The rat.”

• “Good.” You feel her grip on your shoulder tighten, “Make Joanne clean up when you're done. Oh, and dollface? Brush your teeth before you come find me, yeah?”

˚✧₊⁎ Vox ⁎⁺˳✧༚

• He thought he meant it when he said he wouldn’t be grossed out by your food selection

• Though the meal was the same, seeing your entire front drenched in blood, red dripping down your chin was entirely different from date nights with fancy ambience and classy decor

• Shaking his head from side to side, he dials the shock out of his system and forces on a passive expression

• You two have already come so far! He can’t have his date mate tiptoeing around him now

• “Do I need a new assistant?” Vox asks, feigning a disinterested tone

• Your own surprise dilutes slowly, you were so sure Vox was bluffing when he said he could handle this

• He’s rather proud of himself that he was convincing enough to fool you

• “No. S’the bastard who wrote on your mirror.”

• “Excellent! Feed what’s left to Vark, let’s clean you up and go celebrate! Wash that shitty sinner taste out of your mouth with some wine, hm?”

˚✧₊⁎ Valentino ⁎⁺˳✧༚

• Unbothered by blood, he likes making you dish out his punishments while he sits back and watches

• “Dinner and a show,” He’ll joke, “Like killing two birds with one stone!”

• As sadistic as he is, Val doesn’t have the patience to draw out torture

• If he wants results, he’ll get them immediately or kill someone in the process

• The two of you are similar in that regard or you would’ve brought the half eaten body to him when the sinner was still kicking and screaming

• Surprise hits his face when he opens the door and fades just as fast

• “Aw,” Val clicks his tongue, “You couldn’t have waited for me, monstruo? You know how much I like to see you eat.”

• You toss a bloodied grin in his direction, “Got hangry. This was the cynic that said your films were shit.”

• He chuckles darkly, leaning over to cup your face and wipe the corner of your mouth with his thumb, “What do they think now?”

• “Nothin’ much.” You join his amusement with a breathy laugh

• Stretching your neck up to meet him halfway, Val kisses you right on the lips. His tongue briefly taking over your mouth, swiping away the copper taste and replacing it with his own

• “Come. Let’s get you in the bath, monstrou.”

• You quirk a brow at him, “A real one or a cat bath?”

• Laughing, Valentino taps your nose with an extra finger, “Dealer’s choice.”

~

╰(*´︶`*)╯♡ cannibal anon i love you!!! thanks again!!

#hazbin hotel x reader #hazbin hotel imagine #hazbin hotel headcanon #vox headcanons #vox imagine #vox x reader #velvette headcanons #velvette imagine #velvette headanons #valentino headcanons #valentino x reader #valentino imagine

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

How that scene really went:

Eddie: Now I don't know what happened between you two, but if I were you, I would get her back. 'Cause that, that was as unambiguous a sign of true love as these cynical eyes have ever seen. 

Steve: *bitch mode activated* Yeah, is it a sign of true love if, in the past, she got drunk and called our love bullshit while blaming her friends death on the both of us when we were just being normal horny teenagers then later left town with Jonathan and then jumped into bed with him because a crazy guy in a bunker told them they should just go ahead and fornicate like rabbits? I'm not bitter, though.

Eddie: . . . That is a lot to unpack, man. Shit, I should really stop talking about things I know nothing about.

Steve: Yeah, plus I have a crush on this guy, and he's just like, completely oblivious.

Eddie: How oblivious?

Steve: It's right in front of his face. I even threw my clothes at him.

Eddie: Oh, man, that is oblivious. If you're throwing your clothes at him, he should definitely know. Maybe try getting Robin to talk to him. Send her in for information.

Steve: Hey, Robin?

Robin: *whirls around* Yeah?

Steve: I need you to talk to Eddie for me.

Eddie: 😳

#stranger things #eddie munson #joseph quinn #stranger things s4 #eddie stranger things #eddie munson lives #steve harrington #steddie #steve x eddie #steve harrington x eddie munson #incorrect stranger things quotes #robin buckley

[ageofevermore]

PRACTICED DANCE

SUMMARY — though your first time with wanda isn’t exactly what you expected, you wouldn’t change anything about it

WARNINGS — smut 18+ only, literally just pwp, dom!wanda, fingering, degrading, heavy on the praise kink, teasing, choking, soft toward the end… i think that covers everything

AUTHORS NOTE — i got carried away, and kind of hate everything about it… but enjoy!

“Are you sure?”

The night had simply fallen away from you. The chocolate covered strawberries that coated her kisses in sugarcane had completely dismantled the boundaries you’d set when you agreed to this. You were still early in a relationship, seven months and still her touch was still so foreign to you, so sacred. You had no mind to rush anything physical, and she was respectful of that. You wanted to savor her, and she wanted to cherish you.

“Just touch me. Wands, please.” Breathy whimpers escape you, sweaty hands braced on the silky rounds of your girlfriends muscular shoulders. All that training with Steve and Natasha is beginning to show, and the feel of her triceps and deltoids tensing beneath your needy fingertips is breath-stealing. Your nails create crescents upon her sweaty slick skin, thighs squeezing her impossibly close to where you need her, but you want her closer. “I need you.”

“You need me, huh?” Wanda taunts. Her satin sounding voice sends shivers down your already flushed spine and ignites a deep tension in your belly that’s growing to be unbearable the longer she teases. “I thought you didn’t want this, pretty girl. Thought you could handle waiting?”

Wanda twirls a strand of your hair between her calloused fingers, and then traces a path almost menacingly down the curve of your jaw that began to tremble at her weightless caress. She brushes the pad of her gentle thumb across your bottom lip, whispering a string of delicate praise into the space between you before she pushes the pad of her thumb past your lips to rest heavy on your tongue. Your tongue flicks across the round of her thumb, and its sweet enough to entirely disrupt her original plan to take things slow. Forget cherishing you, she wants to ruin you.

She drops her face into your neck, teeth biting down onto the sensitive skin of your exposed collarbone, taunting you. The whine that falls from your lips is heavenly, a sweet melody that Wanda needs to hear again. Over and over. You're putty in her clutches and she’s trying to sculpt the finest china.

“What was that, detka? Don’t have anything to say for yourself?” Wanda teases, pushing the pad of her thumb heavy against your tongue, cursing into your neck when she feels you resist to gag. “Good girl. Such a good girl for me, yeah? Gonna be a good girl and take me? Right here? Right in this little pussy? God you’re so fucking wet. What's got you so wet, baby? Huh? Go ahead, you can tell me. What’s got my girl so worked up?”

Your panties are soaked through, sticking to your heat near uncomfortably at this point, after so long of her teasing. Wanda takes no pity on your embarrassment either, pulling her thumb from the warmth of your mouth and cynically spreading the weakness across your exposed and vulnerable chest that’s been bruised from her insistent kisses and love bites. Your nipples pebble at the action, your hips searching for friction as they arch further into her.

“Suck a dirty girl.” She clicks her tongue at you, taking a gamble on her actions, though you show no disinterest in her albeit cruel taunting, if anything, it turns you on tenfold and she takes a note to really test your limits. The hot muscle shoots out to soothe the bites that shes left across your body, strands of red hair tickling your skin as she works. Her fingers work at removing the soiled garments from between your legs at the same time, and when she pulls away from you entirely, you’re forced to watch her bring the damp panties to her face and inhale the scent of your arousal. A whine is trapped between your lips as you gnaw at them with lustful impatience. Your body feels like its burning up at the sight of her.

“Wands, please. No more teasing. I just want to f-feel you. P-please.” In time with your begging, like it's a practiced dance between the two of you, your girlfriend makes quick work of finding your heat with her fingers. She’s talented in her methods, collecting the slick from your throbbing pussy and spreading it easily over your button, watching you closely for any sign that she should slow down or give you a minute to breathe. As rough as she is, Wanda is nothing but gentle.

“You wanna feel me, sweet girl?” Wanda's fingers leave your cunt, teasing up your thighs before her sticky fingers wrap around your neck loosely. Your eyes go wide, a gasp falling from your lips that part instinctively, complete submission clouding your mind. Your hand comes up to curl around her wrist, your eyes fluttering like the wings of a butterfly in the breeze as you try to keep a handle on your surroundings, wanting nothing more than to melt into the feeling of her hands on you and the beautiful ache in your center. “You want to feel me in this little pussy? Is that what you want? I need words, petal.”

Tears spring in the corner of your eyes, overwhelming your sight as you try to relieve the ache between your legs but arching up into her. You nod your head, incoherently babbling almost the only audible sound over your panting and whines. “Please, Wands. I need you. I need your fingers.” You whine, gentle eyes searching your girlfriends. The beautiful shade of hunter that sticks out like supernova in dark rooms is now almost completely black with lust. It was almost scary, how beside herself she looked in her domination, but it was beautiful all the less. She was beautiful.

“Get them wet for me, angel.” Wanda relinquishes her hold on your neck to push his fingers ito your mouth. She works your mouth like she would your pussy, her own eyes pinching shut as she tries to keep her own desire at bay. This moment is about you, she can sort herself out later. “Good girl. So fucking good, for me. Just for me, yeah? Go on, spread your legs for me, pretty girl. Let me take care of you.”

Wanda pulls her fingers from the hot confines of your mouth, smiling at you so innocently its a harsh contrast to the blackness of her eyes. She removes her own shirt from her body, finally allowing you to see all of her chest and toned ab muscles. Clothes are scattered around your candle-light apartment, the chocolate covered strawberries you made earlier in the afternoon completely forgotten about and feeling like decades ago as they rest on the ottoman.

For the first time since she’s worked you up to this point, Wanda’s lips settle on yours in a delicate embrace that takes your breath away all over again. She’s filled with nothing but complete admiration for you, and the gentle way her tongue swipes across your bottom lip has you falling deeper and deeper into a puddle of lust. Her fingers continue their exploration, down the valley of your breasts and over your belly until they get to where you need her most.

“I love you.” You gasp out just as her fingers enter you again, arching up into her chest as she eases you into this slowly. Two fingers stretch you perfectly, and the gentle pace she’s working on is enough to put static between your ears and nothing else. Your walls flutter around her fingers, silky and hot and perfect to her. You throw your arms around her neck, tangling your fingers into the root of her red locks, pulling at them firmly as she picks up for pace.

Wanda moans against your mouth, the muscles in her biceps flexing and tensing as she keeps gong at a sharp pace. Her chocolatey breath fans across your face as she smiles, and pecks your nose in the softest kiss. “I love you too. I love you so much, Y/N. You’re doing good for me, so fucking good.”

You both lose yourself in the pleasure, kissing and panting, biting and scratching, Wanda helping you reach your long desired high with whispers of passionate affection against your skin. Blood bubbles across her back, your nails ripping into her skin as your walls tighten tellingly around your fingers. Wanda curses, the pain only fueling her as she eases another finger into your sopping wet entrance and curls them against that beautiful spot inside of you. She’s reduced you to screaming whimpers and insatiable begging.

“Let me hear you. That's it, malysh. Such a perfect girl for me, darling.” Wanda continues drilling her fingers inside of you, scissoring your walls apart as they fight to keep her fingers still and inside of you, and her other hand snakes around to soothe the ache in your hips as your legs squeeze her close to you. Her lips are heavy against yours, and as she kisses you deeply, its like your tongues are dancing a ritualistic dance that you’ve practiced before. “Let go for me, angel. cum for me. Let me feel you.”

“Please.” Your walls squeeze her fingers tightly, spasming around the digits that repeatedly hit your favorite spot over and over again with pristine accuracy. Her scent is all around you, and the way her hair tickles your skin and falls around your face to capture only the two of you in this moment is almost entirely out of a fairytale. “Wanda.” You tug at the roots of her hair, attempting to both meet her calculated thrusts and wiffle away from the intense pleasure she’s providing you.

“Don’t run from me, baby.” Her voice is soft, a teasing giggle in her words as she works you closer to your high. “Just like that, baby. You’re doing so well for me. You gonna cum? Gonna let me feel you?” She coos, her hand leaving your hips to brush strands of sweaty hair away form your hair. Her thumb collects the tears that escape your eyes, brushing them away with a gentle smile. Her fingers keep drilling into you, her thumb coming up to swipe at your clit and send you tumbling over the edge before you could warn her. She smiles, pecking your lips over and over again as she mumbles her blessing. “Cum for me, sweet girl. Thats right. Let go. It’s okay.”

Pleasure surrounds you, your orgasm powerful and the best you’ve ever had. Youre seeing white as she rides you through it, your body tightening as you just feel what she’s giving you. Wanda’s bottom lip is caught between her teeth, her eyes gentle as she watches you thoroughly, wanting to remember this in the front of her brain for the rest of her life.

She pulls her fingers out of her, wiping them off on her legs as she shushes your whines at being empty. Her arms circle around your waist, her face buried in your neck and breathing in your scent as your chest rises and falls in the aftermath of your orgasm. Your body is hot, sweaty, but she presses against your impossibly close and smiles lazily. You return the smile, eyes blinking sleepy up at her as she tingles her fingers into your hair and tucks it behind your ears.

“I love you.” She reminds you, kissing you gently.

You giggle, pressing your forehead against hers. “I didn’t think our first time would be on the couch next to an audience of strawberries.” You admit, though nothing in your tone indicates any regrets. Wanda laughs beautifully, nuzzling deeper into you.

“It was perfect.” She enlightens, “But how about we take round two into the bedroom.”

#wanda maximoff #wanda maximoff smut #wanda maximoff fluff #wanda maximoff x reader #dom!wanda maximoff

[salaimoi]

first story from my new, ongoing series: talk to me nice. feel free to leave any constructive criticism! (I can handle it, unlike Gojo)

"Look, I didn't ask for your stupid advice, so don't pretend like you know everything."

Gojo hissed at you, nearly popping a vein from how smug you were being right now.

The only thing you suggested was that he stop dressing like somebody’s grandpa all the time – he had a physique carved by the gods themselves, why not put it to use? Such a waste, honestly.

"Mm~ whatever. So sassy," you replied, followed by an eye roll violent enough to nearly cause your eyes to fall clean off your skull. “Ever heard of constructive criticism?”

"Yeah, yeah. You know, instead of just giving me advice all the time, why don't you compliment me for once? You know, say something nice about me — it's not that hard. "

"Me? Compliment you? Gojo please. Unless you wire me every single yen in your bank account, you won't hear a single praise come out of this mouth.”

Even though he himself felt very frustrated right now, he couldn't stop himself from enjoying the banter – so much so that he would begin to grin as he tried to control himself from bursting out laughing. You were playing a dangerous game here because he could actually make this deal happen, and you were perfectly aware of that — but despite that, you were still trying to push his buttons and he’d make you eat your words because of it.

"You know what, I think I will actually do just that. So let me ask you, what happens when I send over every yen in my bank account, will you genuinely compliment yours truly?" he smirks in that usual arrogant manner, growing more and more interested by the second. "I better get my money’s worth, you know."

Still thinking he was bluffing, you replied, "Obviously. But you only get one compliment."

"Humm~ fine, and it better be the most heart shattering compliment in the history of compliments — soul crushing even. Now, I'll go ahead and transfer you the money," he paused for a moment before remembering something rather important. 

"I need your bank account number to wire the money."

"W-wait … you're not serious are you?”

"Why would I lie? I’m serious about this and you'll also be serious about your part, got it? So I need that bank account number now."

"Are you insane!? I was only kidding, genius!"

"Maybe I am, but I'm doing this because I really want your compliment. So don't try to discourage me because for every minute we spend arguing here, I'm losing my patience.”

And it wasn’t like he needed your flattery; he just wanted to hear you sing his praises as a contrast to your usual behavior. You were always so cold and apathetic around him, but he knew that wasn’t the real you — and he took it upon himself to reveal the side you buried under that stoic facade. 

“So just tell me your bank account number and I'm going to transfer the money to your account right now — the full 59 billion."

Your body froze in utter shock as you realized he was dead serious. Straightening yourself on the mattress, your mouth hung wide open — staring at him in disbelief. The realization of it all was enough to cause one of your eyes to twitch in perplexity.

"Gojo you must've lost your mind if you think I'm gonna accept that,” you scoffed at how insufferable he really was, but secretly loving every second of it. "Who in their right mind would spend ¥59 billion on one compliment?"

"Only people who can afford it, of course,” he smirks cynically, tossing his phone up into the air just for it to land right back onto his palm. “If you ask me, ¥59 billion is too small a price for a compliment directly out of that pretty mouth of yours.” 

“You’re insufferable. For fucks sake, you should have a mental disorder named after you.”

“But you can't actually deny that I'm pretty charming, can you? You might not show a hint of  affection, but I think it's pretty obvious that you like my insufferable attitude. Or are you gonna deny that you don't?"

He unlocked his phone, opening the banking app and going into the transfer section.

You didn’t hesitate to smack the phone out of his hand, causing it to fall down on the bed. 

"Satoru, are you even listening to me!!??"

"Heh~ you're actually quite impressive when you finally get serious. You were really quick there with that tiny hand of yours.”

“This tiny hand of mine will be enclosing around your neck until you’re out of oxygen if you continue to act like an unsupervised child with access to money.”

His expression was thoughtful for a few seconds before he pointed at you, flashing his pearly whites.

"You know, you're actually pretty attractive when you get all aggressive like that. It really looks cute on you. I don't know if I can actually handle someone who's this much of a pain in the ass but still has a cute side to her."

He chortles, leaning back on the headboard before continuing, "See? That’s how you compliment someone, wasn’t that hard now was it? Now you do it.”

Your eyes narrow, two fingers rubbing at your temples as you contemplate the situation.

"You know what. Fine. If you want to recklessly spend your money like this, I'll give you what you want. No comment until I see that money in my bank account, though."

This reply made him burst out laughing, his grin becoming a bit bigger and he began to speak with a playful tone.

"Alright, if you say so. But just remember, it'll be too late to back out after I've already sent the money…”

[One new notification: direct deposit from Gojo Satoru received. New balance: ¥59,000,000,000.024.]

"..."

“Don’t you have anything to say?”

"...you have nice eyes?"

"..."

"..."

“I want a refund right this instant, y/n.”

#talk to me nice 𐙚🧸ྀི #ALSO FIRST TIME USING Y/N I FEEL SO WEIRD #help idk how to feel about the dialogue colors😭😭 #for some reason I feel like it’s overwhelming?! #what do we think?? #gojo satoru #gojo satoru x reader #gojo satoru x y/n #gojo satoru fluff #jujutsu kaisen satoru #jjk #jujutsu kaisen #satorugojo #satoru gojo

[bonefall]

If Brambleclaw was written like that in PO3 as an example of a "good" father, was kind of light was Squirrelflight shown in as the three's mother?

It shifts over the course of the arc. In the first two books, she's FIRMLY strict and distant. I have mostly negative feelings about it. In The Sight and Dark River, they are trying to "foreshadow" the big reveal by showing Squilf as if she's less of a mom to her kids than the "nurturing" women who birthed their own.

While she has a pretty equal mix of moments where she's being supportive or harsh when you tally them, a LOT of emphasis is put on how she doesn't seem to like being in the nursery, how her job "keeps her away" from her children, and how she's short with them when they're just being kids in public.

Even crashes this one moment where Brambleclaw is just... playing with them before a Gathering. Leafpool is also compared to Squilf often, notably more fretful or concerned for the Three. It's frustrating-- they're trying to contrast her to them.

It's Outcast that starts to really tip the scales, though. She gets about 2 harsher moments with her kids on average in Outcast and Eclipse, outweighed by LOTS of times they're having emotional scenes. The way I LIKE to read this is that Squilf is a better parent to older kids and that it just took her some time to hit that stride.

I feel like that makes a lot of sense for her as a character. She's not a nurturer, she's a negotiator. Physically active and excitable, guiding a teenager through their adolescence just comes more naturally to her.

(though it stays frustrating that they wrote such horseshit like Squilf constantly snapping at... kittens playing, mostly so Brambleclaw can look so special and perfect in comparison.)

The more cynical side of me, though? I think it struck them that The Fire Scene wouldn't be as emotionally impactful if she meant what she said to Ashfur; "Go ahead, kill them, they're not my biokids so I don't care." She has to LOVE them to feel pain at their fury. So as the books progressed they wrote waaaay less "Nasty Squilf Moments" like in Books 1 and 2. We don't even GET one in Long Shadows, until the Fire Scene itself.

And also, I think they realized that having that Fire Scene sentiment NOT be a lie, when she raised them from birth, would be super fucked up. In a bad way. I don't think even the Erins are THAT shortsighted. I'm glad they didn't.

She spends all of Sunrise wracked by guilt though, even before the Gathering Reveal. The climax of the arc is really fixated on how miserable her and Leafpool feel, and that's kinda the point. The story was building to this moment where the family crumbles apart.

#Warrior cats analysis #Like even in her first appearance in The Sight she's being compared to how Sweet and Nurturing the other queens are #Like they REALLY need you to know she's not physically present for them even describing her 'Cold Nest' and such

[txttletale]

the line "jailbait, you're so cynical you barely exist" in the kids are obese has always raised an eyebrow to me, for pretty obvious reasons and also because the song as a whole seems very very focused on specifically uk military violence & post-9/11 domestic repression ("tell me which iraqi warlord gets a slap on the wrist") & it's kind of hard to tie this apparent non-sequitur in thematically. i think i've kind of cracked it, though, or at least thought of a reading that makes sense.

the idea of being "so cynical you barely exist" is an interesting one, but i think it makes most sense in the context of the song if it's parsed as a barely-veiled threat, in the same way that "i think i found an atom under all this debris" reads as a comically flimsy pretense for violence. it's a way of saying 'keep asking questions and you won't be around anymore' -- in fact, it seems like the exact same threat as the much more overt one made later in the song: "as long as you carry a code I have / no worries you're going to explode". the idea of knowing too much, of asking too many questions, of having a 'code' that needs to be destroyed, and you with it.

& in that context, when you consider the broader context of the song as coming very explicitly from the perspective of a perpetrator of imperial violence ("nothing has a consequence while i'm ahead / with telescopic vision and some infrared") i think the use of the word 'jailbait' makes a lot more sense as serving as the same sort of prefigured victim blame implied in the atom line--the whole lyric is a pretext to imperial violence, and depending on how you read "lube up that nerf gun, sergeant" explicitly sexual violence. of course everything everything's lyrics are famously a little free-associatey at times but i do think this is a reading that fits really well into what the song's very obviously about

#tattletxt #csa mention cw #everything everything band #everything everything

[sxs-kav]

I saw Frozen Empire, so obviously I have to talk about it. Spoilers ahead.

Also disclaimer that these are my personal feelings, so if we disagree that's okay too!

So, overall I would rate the movie as good. Not my all time favorite in the franchise, I think that will always go to the original, but I enjoyed it. The story could have used a little work in some parts, but hey, nothing is perfect.

Favorite part of this whole movie: one Dr. Raymond Stantz, hands down. He is so cute as an old man-child whose enthusiasm hasn't waned the least bit over the years. Honestly, in Afterlife he seemed like he'd become cynical, but here his true nature really rang through. And I adore him being a mentor for Phoebe and the other younger characters, while also getting into mischief with them. That little sparkle in his eye when Phoebe asks "Aren't you retired?" No, Ray is never retired, he will always be ready to suit up.

I also loved in the police station when Phoebe was standing up to Dickless Peck, Ray had this face like he was so proud, like he could see Egon in her, memories of him saying "YOUR MOTHER!" 😆

The other thing I liked about the movie was the expansion of the Ghostbusters as a business, with the research lab. First off, I love that Winston, the one who didn't even believe in ghosts when he was hired, is now almost like the CEO of the company. But also, it opens up more possibilities for this new era and allows for more playing with the world building. Though I feel like it was a wasted opportunity to put in some easter eggs for TRGB. Unless the ghosts featured were in the (*shudder*) Q5 episodes, I didn't recognize any of them from the show. Then again, I guess they're newer ghosts so that wouldn't make sense, but maybe they could have been similar kinds of ghosts. Just as a small reference.

Other favorite parts include:

-The near-lesbian romance between Phoebe and Melody

-Ray smuggling the Mini Pufts from Oklahoma (because of course he would)

-Also just the Mini Pufts in general (why are they so violent?)

-The way Ray's face lit up when Peter came to the firehouse

-Peter being proud that Ray quit smoking

-Peter's unwavering faith that Ray's idea is good and will work, and saying they all trust him

-The library ghost (did they never go back to get her???)

-Gary saying the words to the theme song

-Janine in uniform!

-Slimer eating the pizza with the posesser ghost in it

Now, onto the areas that I felt were not as strong. First of all, I found it wild that Phoebe was being ousted by everyone without any kind of fight. She's the one that started the whole thing up again, she's got the passion, she's got the brains, she's got the glasses and the curls! Her mom says a grand total of NOTHING to defend her in Peck's office, and they all just accept that she can't be a Ghostbuster anymore. Yeah, they don't want to get sued, but it's just weird to me that they don't even seem like they feel that terrible that she got benched. Callie and Trevor are very callous about the whole thing. Only Gary seems like he gives a shit, and he's not even her dad. The way Phoebe's benching ended wasn't all that satisfying either. It would have been nice for the other three to maybe struggle a little without her, realize they need her to balance the team, and try to find a way to get her back. Winston was really the one that got Peck off their backs in the end, no thanks to anyone else (also, I'm pretty sure in that scene, someone in the crowd yells 'dickless' 😆).

Side note, I really don't like Callie's character that much. I think she's self-centered and doesn't seem to care about the kids' feelings unless the situation becomes dire. Maybe she does deep down, but mostly her attitude about everything stinks. Idk, I wouldn't care if she wasn't in the movie at all.

Anyway, back to the plot. I liked the idea of Phoebe's plotline. I wish they'd gone all the way and had her and Melody kiss, I really thought that was coming when she separated from her body. But I have an issue about that particular moment. The decision to suddenly put herself in the chamber like that seemed to come out of nowhere, at least I thought so. They made it like Melody was supposed to be the one tricking her into doing it, but she really never said anything to convince her. Phoebe just decided on her own to try it. I know she mentioned a couple of times wondering what it would feel like to be a ghost, but it wasn't a strong enough buildup to such a risky move. Honestly, when she asked Ray about him wanting to be a ghost, coupled with Winston saying Ray was going to get himself killed, I thought they were foreshadowing killing Ray (and thank God they didn't!).

They also hint at Phoebe specifically being the one that needs to be used but why? Anyone could have been tricked into the chamber and been controlled by Garaka for the chanting.

But moving on from that, the other issue I have is with the firemaster. He was a little too good at controling the fire after what, a couple of hours of practice? I think the character could still work, he could still be a quirky weird guy, but I think I would have made him more of a reluctant inheritor of his grandma's powers. Maybe he struggles with it at first and he figures he can sell the artifacts to Ray to get rid of the responsibility. Then later he can finally accept his fate to help beat Garaka when he starts believing in himself.

Those are the only major parts that I felt could have been tweaked. Besides that, I would have loved to see Slimer and Ray get a moment, just as a nod to their friendship in the show, but I guess they want to stick to one continuity. Of all the things they could have referenced from the show, though, it had to be the Junior GB 😆 It was just a throwaway line, but still, I don't want to remember they were a thing.

Tl;dr, the movie was good and there were a lot of parts I really enjoyed. For the parts that were weak, I'm confident there will be another in the future, so hopefully they'll keep improving.

Also, who the hell voted for Peck to be mayor? I bet he rigged the election.

#ghostbusters #frozen empire #peter venkman #ray stantz #egon spengler #winston zeddemore #phoebe spengler #janine melnitz

[fangirleaconmigo]

maybe weird and mybe vague, but if you ever have the time and inclination, would you talk bout your opinion on Geralt and *religion*? I haven't read the books in a very long time, and i only am halfway though the series, but sometimes geralt says something (' for it is the **holy** and irrefutable right of every woman.') and i'm left thinking, because he doesn't seem to believe in much but at the same time he does?

Religion and Spirituality in The Witcher Books: What DOES Geralt of Rivia Believe In?

Hello my dear! Sometime you guys will send me an ask that just makes me go...HOW DID YOU KNOW I LOVE THINKING ABOUT THIS AND WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO RAMBLE ON ABOUT IT.

VERY MILD BOOK SPOILERS AHEAD

VERY LONG, EXTRA, GEEKY POST AHEAD

So. For those who missed it, this is in reference to my "abortion in the witcher books" post, where Geralt calls abortion a "holy and irrefutable" right, both words that imply either spirituality or at least moral beliefs that surpass reasoning and rationality.

Yet, we know that Geralt does not believe in the existence of 'the gods', (I'll pull the quotes for that and show evidence as we go) so why would he use such language? What DOES he believe in? Does he have a guiding spiritual system of beliefs?

A lot of people interpret Geralt's attempts at political neutrality as wishy washy or cynical or apathetic, and believe, as a result, that he does not have a particular driving moral system of beliefs. In fact!! On my abortion post there was a guy on twitter actually trying to fight with me, saying that it doesn't matter what Geralt thinks about abortion, because Geralt doesn't value human life. (lmaoooooooooooooooo)

I am here to say that this is incorrect all around. (to the conservative dudebro I told him that he was conflating 'has killed' with 'does not value life', two very different things.) Anywho. Geralt actually has an incredibly strong system of morals and ethics that are VERY clearly laid out in the books. We can even name that system of beliefs. It just gets complicated!

So, let's talk about that. First, let's lay out his beliefs.

Disclaimer: I'm working with English translations of the books, and as I get very precise about words, just please be aware of that limitation. Many times I wish I had a Polish friend who had copies of the book and wouldn't mind me (the dreaded Geraskier shipper and twn fan) pestering them every time I had a question about wording. If anyone doesn't mind being that friend for me, please let me know.

Now. Onward.

For those who did not read my abortion post, Panur is referring to the fact that In Sword of Destiny (p 345), when Geralt is discussing his mother with Calanthe, this is what he calls abortion:

“A choice. A choice which should be respected, for it is the holy and irrefutable right of every woman.”

There are two words that Geralt uses here, "holy" and 'irrefutable" and both imply something 'higher' than reason. Holy is religious in nature, while irrefutable is along the lines of "inalienable" which is the word Dandelion uses, when speaking about the right to abortion. In Baptism of Fire (p317), Dandelion refers to abortion like this:

It’s obvious that only the woman can make a decision like that. It’s her inalienable right.

Inalienable and irrefutable are words that describe inherent rights, which are not subject to rational debate.

Many would describe that as sacred or untouchable. So even though it is not as directly religious as the word 'holy', it implies a value that is higher than logic or rationality.

AND YET, we do know that Geralt does not believe in the gods. It is a point of discussion between him and Nenneke on multiple occasions. In The Last Wish (p37) Nenneke is worried about Geralt and is trying to convince him to let Iola, one of her priestesses, put him in a trance. He resists her idea. Here is what Nenneke says.

"Iola isn't a medium or a mentally ill soothsayer. That child enjoys the goddess's favor."

Geralt's face does something in reaction to this that indicates his disbelief, and Nenneke responds.

"Don't pull silly faces, if you please."

So whatever his face did, it wasn't good. She continues.

"As I said, your view on religion is known to me, it's never particularly bothered me, and no doubt, it won't bother me in the future. I'm not a fanatic. You've a right to believe that we're governed by Nature and the Force hidden within her. You can think that the gods, including my Melitele, are merely a personification of this power invented for simpletons so they understand it better, accept its existence. According to you, that power is blind."

So, Nenneke describes his belief system in regard to the gods as...they don't exist, at least not in the way people view them. There is magic and chaos and monstrous beings, sure. But there are no 'all powerful' gods enacting their will on the world, there is nothing so predictable or organized.

Those beliefs are repeated elsewhere in the books, but I won't pull every single quote. This one does the trick. Geralt believes that people invented the gods to explain the world around them.

We also know that he believes humans invent monsters in order to seem less monstrous themselves. He says this to Dandelion in The Last Wish (p167).

"People," Geralt turned his head, "like to invent monsters and monstrosities. Then they seem less monstrous themselves. When they get blind-drunk, cheat, steal, beat their wives, staar an old woman, when they kill a trapped fox with an axe or riddle the last existing unicorn with arrows, they like to think that the Bane entering cottages at daybreak is more monstrous than they are. They feel better then. They find it easier to live.

So. In Geralt's world view, human beings are the creators. They create gods. They create monsters. And when they blame the gods or monsters, it is a false powerlessness engineered to escape accountability. But Geralt holds people accountable anyway.

So, if Geralt does not believe in the gods, does that mean he believes in nothing? Does that mean he does not have a moral code?

Actually, it is the opposite.

If people are held accountable for their actions, when they have no gods or demons or monsters to blame, the standard for morality is much higher.

Geralt if often called self righteous for this stance. In The Last Wish, (p160) when Geralt is complaining about how hard it is to make a living as a witcher, Dandelion even tells him he should be a priest, saying the fact that he doesn't believe in gods shouldn't be any barrier.

"Whatever. Become a priest. You wouldn't be bad at it with all your scruples, your morality, your knowledge of people and everything. The fact that you don't believe in any gods shouldn't be a problem. I don't know many priests who do. Becomes a priest and stop feeling sorry for yourself."

But without spirituality, where does Geralt get his system of morals? How does Geralt decide what is right and what is wrong?

Well, once again, Geralt puts human beings (instead of gods) at the center, in the position of power and importance.

Let's start with the moral quandary Geralt faces most often. Which monsters are ethical to kill, and which are not ethical to kill?

Geralt has arguments many times throughout the books with people who want him to kill a monster that he does not want to kill,

AND conversely

he has arguments with people who judge him for killing monsters that they believe should be protected.

Those people are on the extremes. Some people see all monsters as inherently without worth. At best, they think they are subhuman and can be murdered for money making schemes or potions, or at worst, they think they should all be exterminated.

The other kind of person (mostly druids and academics) see them as part of mother nature, sacrosanct and untouchable, and accuse Geralt of being immoral for killing even one.

But for Geralt? It isn't so simple. There is no 'one size fits all'. He doesn't 'other' monsters like that. So he has to decided each and every time. And as a nonbeliever, Geralt does not have a holy book or god to consult with to tell him what is right. And yet? He always has an answer.

In reference to the monsters he does not want to kill, here are a few passages of Geralt explaining his reasoning. In The Last Wish, he tells Dandelion he won't kill mecopterans because:

I'm not going to kill mecopterans. Nor any other harmless creatures."

Then, in Sword of Destiny (p42) when when Yennefer and Dorregaray are arguing about dragons, Geralt speaks up. What he says explains why he doesn't kill them:

"Dragons aren't man's enemies," Geralt broke in.

Then later, Yennefer challenges him.

"...And what do you know, witcher?"

“Only," Geralt said, ignoring the sudden warning vibration of the medallion around his neck, "that if dragons didn’t have treasure hoards, not a soul would be interested in them; and certainly not sorcerers...

Later on in the book, Dandelion says that Geralt doesn't kill night spirits because they are "sweet". There are a lot of other examples, but basically, that is always the test. Did the monster harm a human?

Now, on the other extreme, there are people who think Geralt shouldn't harm any monsters. These are people who are big on theory and environmentalism, druids and academics. Here are two examples.

First, we have Dorregaray in Sword of Destiny (p40) he says that Witchers calling killing a vocation is "loathsome, low, and nonsensical". He says:

"The world...is in equilibrium. Natural equilibrium....The extermination of the natural enemies of humans, which you dedicate yourself to...threatens the degeneration of the race."

Geralt responds with his reasoning.

"Do you know what, sorcerer?" Geralt said, annoyed. "one day, take yourself to a mother whose child has been devoured by a basilisk, and tell her she ought to be glad, because thanks to that the human race has escaped degeneration. See what she says to you."

Basically, he's like...tell that to the people who are killed.

Then, in Blood of Elves, Geralt is talking to an academic called Linus Pitt. (it's actually a really funny story, I summarized it here) Geralt has been hired to defend the boat from a monster, and this academic has struck up a conversation with him. They are discussing sea creatures (aeschna) who have been pulling people from decks and eating them. This man offers a similar argument to Dorregaray.

"...It was wiped out a good half-century ago, due -- incidentally --to the activity of individuals such as yourself who are prepared to kill anything that does not instantly look right, without forethought, tests, observations or considering its ecological niche..."

Now, we as the reader know, witchers do consider ecological niches, because Vesemir teaches Ciri about them in the previous chapters in this same book. But for witchers, ecological niches ultimately do not outweigh human life. So after briefly considering just telling the man "where he could put the aeschna and its niche," Geralt responds, trying to appeal to the man's love of theory and scholarship and his college (Oxenfurt, natch)...

"Master Tutor," he said calmly, "one of those pulled form the deck was a young pregnant girl...Theoretically, her child could, one day, have become chancellor of your college. What do you have to say to such an approach to ecology?"

That doesn't work. Master Tutor Pitt is still snooty.

"Nature is governed by its own rules and although those rules are cruel and ruthless, they should not be amended...And nothing can justify the extermination of a species, even a predatory one. What do you say to that?"

So, Geralt reverts to his truth.

"I'd say it's dangerous to lean out like that. There might be an aeschna in the vicinity. Do you want to try out the aeschna's struggle for survival on your own skin?"

Linus Pitt let go of the railing and abruptly jumped away.

The point is always always always...idk man do you want to die? Do you want your family to die?

The test is always:

Harm to humans, vs no harm to humans.

At this point, we can comfortably say that Geralt's system of beliefs has a name.

Geralt does not exist, he is a literary device. But in as far as we can gather evidence and apply it to canon, his state beliefs fit the definition.

A system of belief that attributes the good and evil in the world to choices of humans, rather than gods, and that assesses good and bad based primarily on whether they harm or help humans, has a name.

Geralt is a humanist.

Here is the definition for humanism from Oxford dictionary:

an outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems.

There are, of course, many ways to define any philosophy you could possibly discuss, but at it's most basic, humanism does not source morality from a holy book or a god. There is no higher power or authority.

It asks one simple question:

Does this do harm to humans, or does it help humans?

That may seem obvious, but a whole lot of morality based on religion falls away when you use this. Premarital sex? Is it bad? Welp? Are you harming the person you're having sex with? No? Ok, you're good! Homosexuality? Again, are you harming the person you're dating? No? Then you're good! Most sex based ideas about immorality just sort of goes away.

So is this just a decision making tool though? Or a system of morality? A way of life?

Well, for Geralt it is a way of life. This man is extra as fuck about his code of ethics.

I mean, there is no witcher code of ethics. But you'd better believe his extra ass made one, for himself! He calls it the witchers code, instead of Geralt's code, because that sounds fancier, and people respect it that way. If he just said, "I don't want to do it," no one would listen to him.

I did a post on his code.

So this guy is so in love with ethics that when no one gave him a code, he WROTE HIS OWN, and THEN! THEN he went out on the path as a young witcher, hoping to rescue innocents. He came out of the gate being driven by the value of human life.

When he is in the temple, talking to Iola, the priestess, (p115)about himself as a young witcher and what motivated him out on the path, he says this:

"...when I left Kaer Morhen and took to the road. I'd earned my medallion, the Sign of the Wolf's School. I had two swords: silver and iron, and my conviction, enthusiasm, incentive, and....faith. Faith that I was needed in a world full of monsters and beasts, to protect the innocent."

Geralt's entire personality is based on his initial desire to just...help people. Do good. It has nothing to do with gods. It has everything to do with the way he values human life.

Does this take a massive beating every day he wakes up? yes. Does he always live up to it? No. But it doesn't change the fact that it's there, that it is the underpinning of his character.

Also, I have to add, it informs his entire approach of political neutrality.

Geralt gets a bad rap for his ideas about neutrality. I'm not saying his idea about neutrality is the ideal or always correct. But people tend to see it as based in apathy or self interest and it very much is not.

He explains it to Ciri in Blood of Elves.

Geralt, Triss, and Ciri are traveling with Yarpen Zigrin and his men in Blood of Elves (p122) . Yarpen is transporting (smuggling) something crucial for the war effort on behalf of King Henselt of Kaedwen.

Triss is ill, so Geralt has begged Yarpen to allow them to join the caravan. Geralt says he will help out to pay them back for their kindness, only, Geralt has one thing he will not do. Since they are an official caravan, fighting would essentially make him an official soldier. So, if they are attacked by Scoia'tael, he will not fight. He says:

"Please don't count on my sword. I have no intention of killing those, as you call them, evil creatures, on the order of other creatures whom I do not consider to be any better."

Later, Ciri rides ahead and comes across some elven ruins. Geralt catches up to her and tells her what happened there. They are the ruins of an elven castle called Shaerrawedd, where humans mercilessly massacred a huge number of elven youth.

Geralt says that he has seen some elves about, but he isn't going to warn the caravan because he knows the elves are only there to visit their sacred place. He explains his neutrality to Ciri further.

"Do you know now why the Scoia'tael were here, do you see what they wanted to look at? And do you understand why the elven and dwarven young must never be allowed to be massacred once again? Do you understand why neither you nor I are permitted to have a hand in this massacre?....Do you understand?

She nodded.

"Do you understand what this neutrality is, which stirs you so? To be neutral does not mean to be indifferent or insensitive. You dont' have to kill your feelings. It is enough to kill the hatred within yourself. Do you understand?"

It isn't that Geralt doesn't care.

Geralt cares so so very much, and is so distrustful of power and political and religious institutions that he believes getting involved with them will end in him being used as a tool to do something to harm others.

Geralt does not want to be used as a tool to kill someone else. He has a lot of experience with that. He believes that the only response to a rigged game is to not play it.

Of course it is so much more complicated than that. Geralt has a lot to learn over the course of the series and he is tested sorely, and brutally. He is challenged over and over again. Is it even possible not to play? Are you playing by not playing?

But this post isn't about the relative ethics of political neutrality. It's about Geralt's spiritual and/ or moral beliefs.

The point of this post is, that Geralt is very passionately driven by his well defined system of beliefs, and that belief system is humanism.

Ok, let's go back to the words holy and irrefutable. Even though Geralt does not believe in the gods, he sometimes uses words that sound religious to describe his beliefs. Let's also go back to the word Faith. He uses it twice with Iola to describe his belief that he can help the innocent and do good in the world.

That is because, you don't need anything supernatural to value human life, AND YET sometimes that act of valuing human life feels sacred.

It is not logic. It is not reason. It is love.

I'm editorializing here. This is just me talking, my opinion. Humanism involves believing in the worth of human beings, and that requires a massive amount of faith, especially when people are out there doing evil to each other every day. Some days, love feels like a miracle.

Sure, you CAN make 'rational' arguments about why being kind to one another or valuing one another is the best way to live. It results in a high quality of life, it builds a healthier, more peaceful, world. It's all true.

But ultimately, most humanists are probably not humanists because of rationality. They value human life because they value it intrinsically. They believe that it matters, against all fucking odds. They just love for love's sake.

A know I do!

And having a protagonist like Geralt, who, no matter what horrors and evils he sees, not matter what abuse and trauma he endures, who never ever stops just fucking HELPING, who never stops CARING never stops TRYING, who exemplifies everything to love and cherish about the human spirit, just because he thinks HUMAN BEINGS are worth defending, it is so important to have, and for me, so fulfilling to read.

So, call him a humanist, don't call him a humanist, it doesn't matter. But watching him him go through hell, yet refuse to stop trying to help other people, it makes me feel better about being a human.

#the witcher #asks #geralt of rivia #the witcher books #thinking about geralt of rivia yet again #thinking about the witcher books yet again

[moonsorchid]

Rewatching ep.29 of Love Between Fairy and Devil

Part 1 - I tried to include my comments in one post, but again so many things happen in this episode

(spoilers ahead)

So we learn that DFQC didn’t drink the elixir that would prevent him from feeling Xiao Lanhua’s pain while she was in the cave. And we also get this wonderful speech: “Since we are to be husband and wife, we must stay together until death do us part for better or worse. Even though I cannot bear this trial for her, how can I let her suffer alone?”

At this point, they haven’t said “I love you” (as far as I remember, correct me please if I am wrong), they have barely shared any intimate moments, yet their love for each other is so deep and beyond conventional relationship milestones, that they are willing to go through all this suffering.

Awe Xunfeng, now you make me feel bad for saying all those bad things for you. You have a heart, I may like you from now on.

He truly worries for her (I did not remember this at all) I am sorry, Xunfeng :(

Xiao Lanhua remembers their moments together (their first kiss in the prison, how DFQC was cooling the dew water for her, how he kissed her underwater, how he saved her from the immortals, riding the dragon, DFQC making petals flow around her, trying to get her pin, teaching him how to smile, kissing on the bridge, watching the sunrise together) to endure the torture. I am melting

Can I just say that I love Shangque? His devotion and kindness to DFQC are admirable

I loooooove this scene where they acknowledge her as their Queen

Ok, Xunfeng, I take it all back. I love you, now. So happy he accepted her as his Queen. *I have a goofy smile on my face*

Uff, such a powerful scene when DFQC enters the room - the signs of exhaustion obvious on his face and the way he walks – and approaches her. His touch is so tender, the way he looks at her so sweet. I am dying, I love them so much

They are back in the palace and everyone kneels in front of their Moon Queen. So proud of my babies!

Look how happy Shangque is!!! So cute!

And what a shock for Changheng to realize that the Goddess he was engaged to is in fact Orchid.

How fast did I watch this the first time that I don’t remember her saying this? Poor Danyin :( I love her character development.

Ok, so Ronghao claims that the Moon tribe was the one that killed the 3000 heavenly soldiers. And the Emperor is like yes, I believe the prisoner, without investigating further, and I am going to start a war without any second thoughts.

Pausing to appreciate his calmness and beauty.

Um, excuse me, Ronghao, but you just started a war

Do you know how much I love sweet puppy dragon? He just gave Jieli a key to all his savings. I mean he is the purest, most innocent person in the world. He knows her, he knows what she’s like and yet he opens his heart (and his savings) to her, fully aware she might steal them and never look back. Because he wants to see the good in people. The cynical part of me thinks he is naive, but another part of me believes he is precious.

Haha Jieli is already thinking about opening a store with him. They are so cute together!

I mean look at how happy he is! 

See you in part 2 (hopefully soon, because I miss them already)

Also, you can use my post as a drinking game for the words "love" and "cute" :D

#i am amazed at how little i remember from these last episodes #i was in such a hurry to finish the show #it's all a blur in my mind #i love that i pay attention to details now #and i get to know the characters better #so many powerful scenes in this episode #love between fairy and devil #lbfad #rewatching #mine #orchid's reactions

[scatterbrainedbot]

RAT SONS LORE DUMP #1

THE HAMATO FAMILY

okay so im looking at my first few character sheets and theres a little bit of lore/context i want to give just to clarify, specifically about the last generation (of humans) in the Hamato lineage

(long text heavy post ahead!)

so background:

in the 03 version of tmnt The Ancient One (who is not a Hamato) essentially adopts three children: Hamato Yoshi, Yukio Mashimi, Tang Shen (girls dont get surnames i guess??) They seemed to have been explicitly raised as siblings. Still, love triangle trope was hungry ig. Both boys fell in love w Tang Shen and she fell for Yoshi. to which Mashimi said ‘alright bet’ and killed her. i cant even laugh at him for his pathetic Nice Guy “i was nice to you for years and u wont have sex with me???” tantrum cos like. sir, that is ur sister. boy howdy. all of yall need to go meet some other people.

mostly i chalk that whole mess up to the fact that the writing of women in most media in the early 2000s lacking like idk?? any actual characterization?? an ounce of consideration??? not a single braincell?? they were mostly just there to be a means to some plot trope, rather than an actual character in and of themselves — like im amazed april came out as lovely as she did, with her own like life and skills and autonomy (her big sis vibes in 03 are so so nice, and tbh i love her whole character a lot — still lots of misogyny moments in her writing too but im not trying to do an analysis into that rn)

so anywho!!

for the rat sons au, i decided to go ahead and scrap all the incesty undertones (idk, are those undertones? seems p straight up to me?) and completely revamp the origins of The Ancient One, Tang Shen and Yoshi <3 (and Mashimi too ig, but he essentially got cut out entirely. sucks to suck ya entitled lil douche)

Here's the general lowdown

So, the Hamato clan is one of the oldest and well established in all of Japan. The family rose to prominence in the feudal period of Japan’s history, due to their collective skill in the art of ninjutsu, their dedication, stealth, and discretion. Like most ninja, they were assassins available to hire, either for killing or simple sabotage, for politics or personal matters – though no matter the task, a Hamato’s loyalty was always to the head of the Family over their client.

Beyond their reputation as a ninja clan though, the Hamatos also had a reputation for being extremely generous to their community and highly protective of the less fortunate. (think kinda Al Capone vibes, like oh these bitches hella dangerous. but also. will def tip over $100 soooo…) This did lead to occasional conflict of interests during assignments/contracts. Most Hamatos would then seek the advice of the head of the family, and follow their lead, be it to the benefit of their client, or not.

(This also led to several members either abandoning the clan, or being killed by their clients for failed action etc etc)

As time passes and we reach the mid twentieth century or so, there is only one final heir to the Hamato lineage. A young man, named Hamato Sho. Sho spent his youth trying to serve his family and honor their name etc etc etc. But ultimately, this got him caught up in a lot of corrupt powerful nonsense that he eventually walked away from after the death of his friend.

This friend had left behind a young daughter, Tang Shen. Since he knew she had no other family to claim her, Sho took her in, expecting to only be a temporary foster at most. Surprise! this quiet five year old kiddo melted old mans cynical heart to absolute mush. his daughter now bitch.

He only ever adopted the one child, and he adored her sm. and he tried his best to be a good papa. he nurtured her curiosity and engaged in her interests and taught her everything he knew, without ultimatums or concerns about family names. at times he could have probably been considered very lax in his parenting, or far too lenient or undisciplined, but as a kid that grew up suffocated by watching eyes and guiding hands and Destiny capital D, i think that by giving his child room to be her own person and do her own shit (especially in her teenage years) he was in fact showing her a level trust and pride than he never had been given himself. basically he did everything he could to give her the exact opposite childhood he himself had (like rise splints <3)

Because of Sho’s encouragement, Tang Shen grows up to be a very independent soul, whos never met a problem she can jerry-rig, bodily move, or roundhouse kick into being fixed. She also becomes a fucking badass ninja master (and mystic warrior, lol) though mostly all she wants in life is the maintain the quiet little farm her father has started. maybe kiss the cute boy from town who walks her home sometimes (even though he lives the other direction.)

Meanwhile, Yoshi (surname pending) is in fact not a Hamato. Yet, at least. he, however, is that cute boy from town who walks home with Tang Shen most days and has been absolutely smitten with her since like fourth grade lol

(theyre besties for like a decade before they officially start to date. They get together finally after Tang Shens been trying to figure out a good date idea (one that isnt just something they already do) to ask him on for like a month, and Yoshi just leans over and kisses her goodbye super casual one day cos he thought they already had been dating for like. six months. cue her delight and his abject horror (he never wouldve kissed her if he didnt think that was already established as okay. p sure he even like asked her before randomly like, hey is it alright if i kiss u goodbye? and she was like ????? ok??? is this cos of ur european studies class. theyre both very silly) shes gonna tease him so bad about all of this. and tell Sho. Yoshi will never know peace again /affectionate)

Mashimi doesnt make any real appearance in their story i dont think. Like he might be a friend of Yoshi’s in elementary school. probably had a tiny start of a crush on Tang Shen when they were small and tried to take the ‘pull pigtails on the playground’ route of getting her attention. what he got was a kick to the chest and a broken nose. never came near her again after that. (eventually started avoiding Yoshi too since he was with Tang Shen all the time)

All that being said though, im afraid Tang Shen is not fully free of curse of the unwanted suitor. The Hamato name still carries a fair amount of pull, after all, and there are some very dangerous people looking to make some claim to its influence.....

#rat sons #rat sons lore #tmnt au #if u read all of that i am mentally giving u a lil smooch on the forehead 💕 #imma queue up the first character sheet to drop tomorrow morning i think? #itll be Sho's btw #im so invested in my version of the last of the human hamatos its so sad #they are like #purely background #only come up in stories splinter tells the boys #but i love them sm <3

[blonde-love]

The warmth of waiting...

Summary: You try to strike a deal with the Murdstone brothers to improve the quality of the work of the children in the factory. While you are waiting for Mr. Edward, careless touches become deep actions, discovering the softness in that cold and metallic lady.

Warnings: Nothing for now. [You will have to wait for the rest of the chapters].

Parts of the story:

The warmth of waiting...

The warmth of waiting... [Day 1].

The warmth of waiting... [Day 2]. Soon.

The warmth of waiting... [Day 3]. Soon.

The warmth of waiting... [Day 4]. Soon.

The warmth of waiting... [Day 5]. Soon.

The warmth of waiting... [Day 6]. Soon.

The warmth of waiting... [Day 7]. Soon.

Autor’s Note: I think this is the longest series of stories I've ever thought of, I'm really in love with that romanticized side of the time that this took place. As in all my stories, I like to remember that english is not my first language, so any constructive criticism is really appreciated!

You saw that woman, an imposing lady dressed in black, tall before you even though she was seated, a cup of tea on a small table near her as she held a small book in her hands,those blue eyes similar to the ocean slid over the pages of a book with patience.

You were following one of her maids, feeling how another one of them took off your coat, nervous hands while she and others looked concerned at the one who had let you in without requesting permission from their lady before… Some looking at you with intrigue, with curiosity, and others as if you were the cause of some evil that you were unaware of.

"Mrs. Murdstone…". Her maid called softly, the one ahead of you, so the woman turned to look at you quickly, lowering her book and closing it as she realized you were there. "You have visitors, she says it's important… Mr. Murdstone told me that she would come, so I let her in…".

The maid looked nervous, her voice slightly trembling as the woman's stern gaze slid over her contemptuously before raising her eyebrows and taking her cup between her hands, crossing one of her legs.

"You can go…". The black-haired woman indicated the woman who had guided you into the house. You didn't think she had such a beautiful, almost angelic voice.

‘She is a cold and metallic lady…’.

David's words echoed deep within you as you watched her, remaining silent as the relieved servant left.

"Good afternoon… I assume you are Mrs. Murdstone…". You said calmly, analyzing her features and realizing that indeed her skin was as white as your friend had so extravagantly described in the middle of his stories. "It's a pleasure to meet you".

Jane looked you up and down, raising an eyebrow as she took a sip of her tea, bordering on cynical before speaking.

"What is the reason for this visit?". She asked without hesitation.

“It seems that he was not informed of my arrival… [Y/N] [Y/L/N], heiress to the [Y/L/N] company and a potential investor in the factory that you and your brother own". You introduced yourself, Jane taking a minute before recalling the great liquor company that was recognized in the country, which carried your last name for its name, a possession of your family. "My arrival was agreed with Mr. Murdstone by letters".

To punctuate what was said, you took an envelope from a pocket in your dress, handing it to her, which she carefully opened, taking out a couple of sheets of paper with your handwriting and her brother's, his signature perfectly placed at the end, proof that you were here with his permission.

"He is not here". She said without further ado, returning it with an almost annoyed tone of voice, her features softening in parallel with her words as she pointed to a seat near her. "He is on a business trip…".

You sat in the place offered, listening to her call the name of some servant who came over with a teapot, serving a little of what she was drinking; a bitter tea.

"We don't make big decisions until he returns from his trip…". She murmured, as you took your cup carefully, feeling the warm sensation between your fingers through the porcelain.

"Sure, I understand that both of you own half of the rights to the factory, I was surprised the first time I heard it". You said, wincing at the taste of the drink. Not that you had anything against bitter things, after all you were an experienced drinker of strong things considering you were the heiress to a liquor company, but it was a far different thing when that taste came with a slightly liberating burn than with a traces of herb flavors that felt more like the medicine you hated as a child…

You only heard Jane hum in response, looking at you with some judgment as you began to place a couple of sugar cubes in your cup.

"Why are you interested in investing in our business? I understand that your company is already quite powerful compared to ours". The woman in front of you looked quite distrustful of you, so you smiled slightly.

"I'm interested. It is part of a personal project…". You murmured softly, arousing the intrigue of the lady of the house a bit.

"Personal project?".

"That's how it is. It is proposed to give more resources for the improvement of the facilities so that the working children can have a better environment in which to develop without leaving their jobs since they need them due to their poverty, in addition to benefiting the factory owners by implementing new safer and faster machinery". You explained calmly, watching her narrow her eyes.

"I didn't think a rich lady like you would have a heart for those ungrateful brats". It was a scathing comment, showing the hatred for the childrens that David told you she had, making a sigh escape your lips as you took another sip of your drink, wrinkling your nose at the still unpleasant taste, not understanding how it seemed that the another woman enjoyed it just as much.

"A friend motivated me to do it…". You commented vaguely, trying to drink the liquid more quickly to avoid torturing yourself slowly. "I think that you know him…".

There was a short pause, Jane tilting her head with doubt, not sure exactly who you were referring to.

"David Copperfield". You said softly, watching her frown with some annoyance, leaning back in her chair.

"That damn brat…". She muttered under her breath, still upset by what he had put her hand through, how much money she had spent with the doctors to keep it functional again after his actions against her as revenge against the bad way she treated him.

"Mr. Murdstone found the idea interesting, although his dissatisfaction with my inspiration was also made clear in his letters, he said that I could come today to discuss it with you two personally, but apparently his business trip was delayed".

"That's how it is…". Jane whispered, studying you slowly, realizing that you were probably aware of the story that unfolded between the pair of brothers and the boy who had grown into an adult who made money from writing to tell his life story.

"Listen, Mrs. Murdstone, I am aware that your factory has been seriously deficient for the last few months, so your sales are going down and my friend does not want his childhood and youth friends to be stranded, so I came up with the idea of the agreement...". Your hand lightly motioned for one of Jane's servants to come closer.

"How much are you willing to invest with us for those ungrateful kids?". She ask, her servant carefully approached you.

"Bring me some whiskey, honey…". You asked the girl in a low whisper, looking for something to wash away that herbal feeling on your tongue, the maid nodding quickly before going off in search of your request. "As I said, I am willing to give more advanced machinery that will allow a more optimal work and… less risky in its use…".

Your mischievous eyes fell on Jane's hand that had been injured by David when he had been young.

"Advanced machinery…". She repeated almost mechanically, unaware of what you had asked of her servant, Jane watching her leave with intrigue.

"Yes, as well as money in case it is necessary to repair anything, as well as clothes and a small meal plan for the children who work there". You continued, realizing that her interest in the last part was non-existent, her mind rather focused on managing money for her own pocket and her factory.

‘She is a cold and metallic lady…’.

It was again what was repeated in the back of your mind when you saw that like the rest of most employers, she was just as ruthless and cruel, seeing children simply as cheap labor, if not as objects to be used and exploited.

"Your proposal sounds tempting… especially if the amount we're talking about is as big as your… charity for other people's children". The glass you had ordered was placed on the table, a smile on your lips as you pushed the cup away and took the glass between your fingers.

"It is, believe me… Do you know when Mr. Murdstone will be back so we can get it over with more officially?".

"Within a week". Those judging eyes rested on your drink, which was considered only a man's thing, too strong. "You shouldn't drink things unsuitable for a lady". She harshly criticized you.

"Being a lady can be considered undervalued". Your words came out without thinking, staring at her as you tipped the drink into your mouth in one fell swoop, drinking without even a grimace, Jane somewhat surprised to remember that even her own brother used to be disgusted by the stinging, painful burn it left on the tongue and throat.

"Do you drink it often?". The astute remark slipped from her lips, deciding to ignore the comment you made, her mind focused on avoiding missing out on that big money check you agreed to compare to the size of your good deeds with the kids.

"When it is necessary, yes". You answered vaguely, before sighing. "Usually when I work in my studio. It's liberating".

"So a business woman with a big heart for children and a glass of whiskey while she works… what a character you are made of…". Jane murmured more to herself, getting a small laugh to escape your lips, thinking of David and how he would describe you for that in his next story.

"And you haven't really seen much…". You shrugged, looking at the book she had been reading. "'You shouldn't do things unsuitable for a lady.'" You mimicked her words as you pointed to the reading material.

"I don't…". She tried to advocate for herself, trying to place her hand on the book so she could hide the title from you, a twinkle in your eye as you noticed.

"Pretty fascinating…". You murmured under your breath, knowing that the book was a sapphic work, quite romantic, sometimes erotic with dark overtones between the pages. "It is a good book…".

"Have you read it?" She asked confused, looking at you as if a third head had grown, to which you nodded gently, somewhat amused by the way she reacted.

"When I was young… I found it very lovely without a doubt. It seems you've liked it so far too…". You made the observation when you realized that the separator was in the second half of the book, something that would not be the case if Jane had not found the content between the pages interesting. "Do you want to add something else to the list of things you find peculiar about me?".

As the words left your mouth, you pulled a pack of cigarettes from one of your pockets, holding it out for her to take one, the woman looking perplexed by your statements about the book and what you were offering her.

"Do you smoke?". She took a cigarette between her fingers before you did the same, nodding gently as you hand her a small match which she lit to place on her cigar. "You are the first woman I know who smokes".

"Just like you're the only one I know too". Her blue eyes rested on yours, analyzing you for a moment, while a mischievous idea crossed your mind, leaning over the table to be close to her, placing both ends of the cigars together, inhaling slightly so that the one in your hand was ignited by hers.

You saw her stare at you as you leaned back in your seat, her pupils dilating for a moment at your actions as she let her mouth open to release some smoke with a shocked expression.

"A close friend taught me when I was young…". You spoke, fiddling with the cigarette in your hand as you watched her, knowing the effect of your actions. "Did someone teach you to smoke or was it just curiosity too close to your father's objects?".

"My brother". She said simply before elaborating a bit more on her response. "He taught me when we were teenagers… I guess… we've been mostly close…". She counted, a little fond gleam in her eyes despite her impassive face.

‘She is a cold and metallic lady…’.

That message did not get tired of appearing over and over again while you looked at her, Davis's numerous warnings regarding her behavior kept you on your toes, the gears in your head turning slowly at the thought that it couldn't be completely true. Everyone had a tail to step on.

"Jane Murdstone…". You repeated her name, passing your gaze over the book and then over her, the woman watching you attentively. "Are you a sinner or just a daughter of God who likes to be morbid?". Was the question that left your lips as you pointed to the book, dragging the smoke into your mouth before releasing it into the air.

She swallowed, her grip on the book loosening, taking another drag from her cigarette.

"You?". She asked back instead of answering, a bold move.

"None of us are married despite our age." You were much younger than she was, but it was certainly customary to get married at a slightly earlier age than you were. "There is no ring on your finger or mine…".

Jane's eyes fell on your hands, verifying that indeed there was no engagement ring, much less marriage, on any of your fingers.

"But there's certainly no shortage of prospects…" You whispered, knowing that certainly more than one man must have been interested in Jane because of her neat way of carrying herself in addition to her undeniable beauty, although you supposed that perhaps it could also have happened that her domineering attitude had driven away any unresisting gentleman…

"I suppose with your wealth many men must have begged for your hand… None of them caught your eye?". She was trying to divert the conversation, but unfortunately for her it didn't really work.

You stubbed out the cigarette you had, reaching for Jane's and slowly removing it from her hand, seeing that the woman was too engrossed in your face.

"Let's say… I prefer to vacation on the island of Lesbos…". Those lips of yours were placed on the black-haired woman's cigarette, in the same place where hers had been moments before, a shiver running through the woman, something that you realized. You managed to affect her.

"Oh…". It was the only thing that left her lips as you stood up, positioning yourself in front of her, releasing the smoke from your mouth near her lips.

"Would you allow me to stay here while your brother returns from his trip? I'm afraid the trip to London and back is a great wear and tear". You muttered, handing back the item you took, she swallowing hard.

"It would… it would be too rude not to accept you considering how far you went to get here". She tried to make her voice as serious and neutral as possible.

"Thank you". Your hand was placed on her shoulder, too weak but enough to affect her once more. You heard a name called, a maid appearing in front of you in an instant, quite flustered like the rest.

"Show her the guest room…". She commanded her, her flawless facade repositioning properly as you watched the girl nod, waiting for you to follow her.

"I am humbled by your charity". You whispered, walking away with a kind smile as you followed the young woman up the stairs to the second floor, taking one last look at that woman out of the corner of her eye.

‘She is a cold and metallic lady…’.

This time a small giggle escaped your lips at the thought.

Apparently you weren't the only one with interests on that island…

#jane murdstone #jane murdstone x reader #fanfic #gwendoline christie

[ppomumgranatum]

eyes don't lie.

Chapter 1

more on Ao3 and Wattpad

Sebastian x fem MC

summary:

To Sebastian, Kali was more than just a friend- she was someone who challenged him, inspired him, and made him want to be a better person.

Formerly inseparable comrades, Sebastian and Kali now stood apart, their once-strong connection fractured by silence and pain. Sebastian struggled with the idea of whether their bond could ever be repaired or was their friendship doomed to fade into memory

With each passing day, the weight of uncertainty grew heavier on Sebastian's shoulders. Would he find the courage to confront the rift between them?

-

Disclaimer: The story may also include Hogwarts Legacy spoilers and the use of explicit language. Reader discretion is advised.

Sebastian's image source: credit to whoever made it I'm so sorry I cannot find the OP.

Word count: 2.3k

-

chapter 1.

It’s been a couple of weeks since the incident in the catacomb and everything that has happened with Ranrok finally settled. Though Ominis and Kali decided to protect Sebastian and not to turn him over to authorities, it did more damage than good to their friendships– especially for Kali and Sebastian. After the first couple of months prior to the event, they somehow grew apart. As if Kali was avoiding him. 

It left Sebastian with an extremely unpleasant feeling in his gut. He found himself replaying the events over and over again in his mind, searching for answers, searching for a way to mend what had been broken. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't seem to find a solution. Now that Anne had also left, Kali's distance only served to deepen the wound, leaving him feeling more alone than ever before. 

When they met in the hallway, she’d just passed through him as if he was invisible. She no longer allowed herself to sit next to him in any classes nor the Great Hall, and she never showed up to the Crossed Wands anymore.

As more days gone by, Sebastian felt himself slipping further and further into despair. He had lost not only his best friend but also a part of himself in the process.

You know asking her would help you better than sulking like an idiot, Ominis once advised

Sebastian rolled his eyes at first, but he knew Ominis was right. So he sent an owl to Kali, asking her to meet in the undercroft. And she did come.

As she entered the room and walked towards him with heavy footsteps, Sebastian's heartbeat grew faster. She stopped about a few feet in front of him, clearly attempting to keep the distance she’s been reeling.

Fuck, he thought. He clearly didn’t think this through– as if he ever did with anything. But he truly had no idea what he wanted to say to her.

“Hi,” was what came out of his lips. Kali’s expression didn’t shift in the slightest. It was flat and cold. “How are y–”

“What do you want, Sebastian?” She cut him off before his sentence could find its ending.

Cold. She was so damn cold.

Kali isn’t the most heartwarming person you could ever find, surely. She can be a bit cynical at times, she’s bold, ambitious, and daring, but cold– cold is not supposed to be on the list. Not towards Sebastian at least. 

And truly it terrified him a little bit.

Sebastian felt a lump forming in his throat, making it difficult to speak. Kali’s unwavering gaze bore into him, demanding an explanation.

“I.. I just wanted to talk.” He stammered, voice barely above a whisper.

“Alright.” She crossed her arm in a defensive posture that mirrored the emotional barricade she had built around herself “Go ahead.” 

“What?”

“Well you’re the one who wants to talk. Not me. So, please, go ahead.” Sebastian could see the tension in the set of her shoulders, the way her jaw clenched ever so tightly.

“Exactly. Why aren’t you talking to me?” He asked.

No response. Silence was the only answer Kali provided him. He searched her eyes for any hint of emotion, sadness, anger, anything at all. But her expression remained impassive.

“Kali, please.”  Sebastian pleaded with desperation as he took a step towards her. But instead of closing the distance between them, she retreated even further, putting another two steps of distance between them.

His heart sank as he watched her pull away, the sting of rejection cutting through him like a bloody knife. 

Sebastian's mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions: regret, longing, and a gnawing sense of despair. He wanted to reach out and hold her. He wanted to simply understand why he was losing the person he cares about the most, yet again.

"So that's it, then?" he spat, voice laced with bitterness. "You're just going to shut me out like I don't even matter? After everything we've been through together?" 

Kali scoffed, “You mean like how you shut me out?”

“Excuse me? I shut you out?” His response came quickly.

The girl shook her head in disbelief as Sebastian’s response shattered her impassive expression. He’ll always be such an insufferable stubborn after all. But Kali’s intention remained unwavering. She had no wish to speak to him nor to seek resolve. 

She turned her heel and walked towards the door.

“Hey, stop!” Sebastian was quick to chase after her and grabbed her arm.

Enraged by his action Kali turned to Sebastian once more “No! You stop, Sebastian. I’ve had enough of you.”

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” 

“Me? What the fuck is wrong with you, Sebastian Sallow, that nothing could go through that bloody thick skull of yours? Nothing can help you comprehend the amount of stupidity– the amount of pain you have caused me. Because how stupid are you to have asked me that?” Nose flared, eyebrows furrowed, gaze stung, and words as angry as mongrels– Kali finally reached a level of rage Sebastian had never witnessed before. His grip loosened around the girl’s arm and fell to his side.

“You never once came to sort things out with me the moment everything ended. Not once you showed any hint of remorse. Not even a single ‘thank you’ came out of your fucking mouth.” She continued.

“Hey, I do feel awful about everything” Sebastian's voice held a note of pleading as he attempted to justify his actions. He spoke with an urgency born of desperation, his words a last-ditch effort to salvage their fractured relationship. “And I did come to talk to you.”

“Starting the conversation with a lame fart joke is not the way, Sebastian.” She said through her gritted teeth. Her patience wore thin as she struggled to contain her anger.

“You can’t seriously be mad at me because of that. I–”

 “You didn’t even ask me if I was alright.” She cut him off.

And there it is. The crux of it all.

Sebastian's defences crumbled, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable. It felt like the air was suffocating him with a sense of guilt and remorse. 

He remembered that day before he rushed to Feldcroft to look for his sister, Ominis and Kali assured him that they wouldn't turn him in. They swore that his secret will die with them. 

That trip took him about a week and when he returned to Hogwarts, he heard words that Kali had just defeated Ranrok. Not that he’s surprised, but he’s always believed that Kali would be able to do it.

He tried to find her, and when he did, it was as if Sebastian was looking at a completely different person. He didn’t know how to approach his best friend. 

And when Kali didn’t even give a single response to his comedy during Professor Sharp’s class– it just made everything felt worse.

But now, as he looked into Kali's eyes, he realised that he had failed to see the toll that the ordeal had taken on her. He had been so focused on his own concerns that he had overlooked the pain and trauma that she had undoubtedly endured.

“I thought I was gonna die fighting that spiteful goblin. I didn't think I was going to make it and all I could think about was how I just wanted to go back to school.. to go back to you–” forced herself to stop and sighed “But you didn’t even seem to care about me.”

“Kali, I–”

“I know what you went through, and for the love of Gods, Sebastian, I understand that. Even after everything you’ve said and manipulated me to do, I still understand you.” she continued, voice filled with anguish. “The funny thing is I would’ve done it all over again if I could. I would’ve still fought my way to help Anne even if you didn’t somehow push me into it. I really like her.”

Sebastian’s mind racing and searching for the words to respond to Kali’s words. How awful it must've been for her. 

He had always valued their friendship, cherished the bond they shared. But now, as he stood before her, he realised that he had taken her for granted, and had failed to see the depth of her pain until it was too late.

And so, he stood there in silence, his heart heavy with regret as he watched Kali struggle to come to terms with the loss of their friendship.

“I did not just lose Fig in that fight, Sebastian.. I’ve lost you, too..” Her voice was trembling, fighting the urge not to drop a single tear in front of the brunette “And I am trying to find my peace with it.”

“No.. don’t say that.” Sebastian carefully took another step forward, and another until he finally reached the shorter girl in front of him. He took Kali’s hand and intertwined their fingers together. “You can never lose me.”

Kali's gaze dropped to their intertwined fingers with a heavy sigh escaping her lips. It seemed as though time had run out, the damage irreparable and the chance for reconciliation slipping through their fingers.

With a sense of resignation settling over her, Kali shook her head slowly. There was no use dwelling on what could have been or trying to mend what was broken beyond repair.

“Then how come I did?” Her eyes met his, their gazes locking in a silent exchange filled with unspoken words and lingering emotions.

As she released his hand and began to turn away, Sebastian's heart clenched in his chest. The thought of losing her, especially after everything they had endured together, was unbearable. With each step she took, it felt as though a piece of him was being torn away, leaving him hollow and incomplete.

But no matter how he pleaded, Kali remained firm, walking away without looking back. Sebastian stood there, feeling lost and helpless, as the echoes of her footsteps faded into the darkness.

As Sebastian watched Kali's retreating figure disappear into the shadows, a sense of defeat washed over him. He stood rooted to the spot while feeling the weight of his own helplessness crushing down on him. 

So this is it, then. The bond that was so strongly forged over blood and spells just perished before his own eyes.

Slowly and reluctantly, he turned away from the empty space where Kali had stood moments before. Each step felt heavier than the last as he made his way back to the familiar comfort of his room. The journey back seemed longer than usual, the corridors stretching out endlessly before him as if mocking his despair. Sebastian's mind raced with thoughts of what could have been, of the rift that now lay between him and Kali. 

They could’ve been providing comfort for each other, he thought. And maybe all of this would’ve felt easier to get by.

When he finally reached his door, without a word, Sebastian pushed it open. Ominis was reclining on his bed and prepped for slumber. Sebastian stumbled inside, collapsing face-first onto his friend’s bed with a heavy sigh.

"Would it be right for me to assume that your conversation did not go well?" Ominis started the conversation.

Sebastian mumbled sadly into the bed, "She hates me, Ominis."

"Why wouldn't she?" Ominis replied, matter-of-factly.

Sebastian groaned in frustration. Why did Ominis have to be so annoyingly right all the time?

"Look," Ominis continued, trying to be comforting. "Give her time. Maybe she'll come around."

"And if she doesn't?" Sebastian's voice was muffled, but Ominis could still hear the despair in it.

Ominis shrugged, "Move on?"

Sebastian let out another loud groan. Ominis knew that Sebastian was hurting, grappling with the aftermath of a strained relationship and the weight of his own burden all due to his own reckless and selfish doings.

The room felt quiet, except for Sebastian's occasional groans of frustration. Ominis wished he had the right words to make everything okay again, but for now he’s just thankful that his friends are safe.

“She seemed so cold, like she had no emotions left,” Sebastian added, while turning himself to face the ceiling.

“Can you blame her? After everything she went through,” Ominis sighed heavily,  “You should’ve seen her when she came back. I could feel her weak pulse, her shallow breathing, and the pain– I thought we were going to lose her.”

After Ominis's heartfelt words, the room fell silent for a moment. Sebastian's heart clenched at the thought of Kali's suffering. It felt like his own guilt gnawing at him as he replayed the events in his mind.

“I’m glad you were there for her while I was gone.” Sebastian's gratitude towards Ominis swelled within him. Despite his own struggles, Ominis had been there for Kali when she needed him most, a fact that filled Sebastian with both relief and a pang of guilt.

"I know it’s difficult. But just give her what she wants. It's really the least you can do to make it up for her." Ominis added.

Sebastian sighed and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration "Fine. But you're taking me to Three Broomsticks tomorrow to cheer me up."

"I can't tomorrow," Ominis replied with a hint of hesitation.

"Why not?" Sebastian's tone was puzzled, though Ominis could feel the tension in his friend's voice even without seeing his face.

Ominis hesitated for a moment before responding. "Kali is helping me with potion studies." he said carefully, bracing himself for Sebastian's reaction.

Sebastian's response was immediate, his voice filled with surprise and disbelief. "Are you serious?"

Ominis could understand Sebastian's reaction. "What? She still likes me," he explained, trying to diffuse the tension. "And you know I'm falling behind in that God-forsaken class."

Sebastian's frustration was evident in his next words. "You still get to hang out with her and I don't? That's unfair."

“Hey, that’s on you. I never called her ignorant nor took her efforts just to satisfy me for granted.” Ominis responded with a slightly accusatory tone, aiming to provoke Sebastian's emotions. “If anything, I treat her very well.”

“Oh fuck off, Gaunt.” Sebastian stood and stormed out of the room. As he reached the doorway, Sebastian flashed a middle finger to his blind best friend as a dramatic exit.

“Hey! I can sense that, and fuck you too!” He shouted as Sebastian disappeared behind the door.

-

more on Ao3 and Wattpad

#sebastian sallow #sebastian sallow fic #hogwarts legacy fanfic #ominis gaunt #sebastian sallow x mc #drama #sebastian sallow fanfiction

[sssm1l3]

Let's talk about SA in the walking dead.

tw// talk of sexual violence/sexual assault against a minor

Spoilers for the walking dead ahead

In this I'm going to focus on Carl Grimes and the incident with The Claimers in 4x16 "A"

While I understand that this was mainly used as a way for Rick to go a little wacko and show how far he's willing to go to protect Carl and also probably loose like that last little bit of faith in humnaity.

However, it needed to be addressed. Carl is, what, fourteen? In season four, and so they put in sexual violence against a child and then just...left it be.

In issue #58 of the comics, after the whole claimers thing, Rick and Carl have a discussion about it, even if it's short. I don't know if it's mentioned again after that or not, but I know in #58 Carl speaks about how he liked watching Rick kill that man.

Which you know fair enough, we all enjoyed it too.

However, in the show, it's never brought up again. Because in the next episode they almost get barbecued. Which, can distract them from addressing that at the moment, but once they get to Alexandria and that little bit of peace before it gets over run, and everything else, they had ample time to have Carl sit down with literally anybody and talk about it.

We get a single parallel, that being Dan (I think that was his name?) Push Carl on the ground, and then Negan push Carl on the ground during the lineup.

Carl could have freaked out. He could have. He could have freaked out, or at least done something to indicate that he was not a big fan of that at all, in a different way to an aversion to having his arm cut off.

And, if we wanna go cynical with it, when Carl decided to star in a shoot em up western and murder two of Negan's dudes, and Negan was like "Oh, sing me a song" and made Carl talk about shit, he could have asked about it.

Could have made Carl talk about his sexual assault as a way of mentally breaking him down.

And even though Negan is a rapist via coercion, he doesn't think he is, and has a strong hate of like, violent rape, basically anything besides coercion.

And while I would have much rather Carl talk about it with Rick, Michonne, hell Daryl, or even Glenn before he kicked the bucket, maybe Maggie since she was also SA'd and they actually talked about it, Carl being forced to talk about it with Negan would have been interesting.

When one of the Savior's runs his finger down Enid's cheek while she's begging for her balloons back, you can see Carl seething. That he's uncomfortable with it.

Because of fucking course he is. Not only is that Enid that he cares about deeply, but you can not tell me that that didn't bring back memories of that Claimer sniffing his hair.

There's another opportunity. To have Carl and Enid talk about their shared experiences, even if the details of the situations are different, they're sill under the same category, and that thing with Enid isn't ever talked about again either.

If AMC had them speak about it, it would have been 2 birds with one fucking giant stone with the word "COMMUNICATION" written on it.

And no matter who Carl ended up talking about it with, it didn't have to be a big sit down conversation in front of a window while it rained with dramatic background music.

After the balloon thing with Enid, he could have gone with her, sat with her and been like "Hey. I get it." and her look at Carl while he looks at her and they both sort of have the same expression of understanding.

Hell, that's realistic.

It just...any way it could have been talked about, it should have. But it wasn't.

And I will forever be bitter about it.

Thank you for coming to my ted talk

#Thee Walking Dead #carl twd #twd #rick grimes #carl grimes #rick twd #the walking dead negan #carl the walking dead #enid twd #Enid the walking ded #tw #amc #amc the walking dead #the walking dead comics #glenn twd #glenn the walking dead

[ewanmitchelll]

“Check yes, Y/N...” (I)

Imagine you are the youngest daughter of Lord Stark and Aemond Targaryen falls in love with you right before civil war starts. What then?

Warnings: fluff.

***

You like the cold. It's soothing, it's home. It's all you ever known. It’s right where you belong. At times, the wolf spirit—a term used rather sternly by Lord Stark to qualify your willfulness—comes to surface and you flee from dinner to run towards the highest hill and there stay, almost howling to the moon. Perhaps you are a she-wolf, indeed—much to your parents dismay.

Nonetheless, you see yourself a sweet she-wolf, though. You are still every inch a damsel, whose preferences lie in the stars, books and solitude. Sometimes you dance, sometimes you play the lute. Unusually, you sew or ride.

When you were a child, though, your spirits were wilder and your mother were often chasing after you because you hated to sew and wanted to play sword with your brothers. However, you are older now—you are not loud, neither a disobedient lass. You possess a sweet nature that flown into a radiant beauty to gaze at, though you are unaware of how beautiful you are to others.

Precisely why your mother and father think wise to marry you before you start taking random flirtations with stable boys to other levels. Such activities are not being tolerated anymore. So now here you are, going to the court with your father to celebrate King Viserys’s name day.

“Why are you looking so abhorrent, my child? Every other lady would gladly switch sides to be in your position now”, so tells your father.

You are dressed in light blue silk gown with details in white, your hair drops loose from both sides in northern fashion braids.

“I do not wish to look so, my father”, you respond him in a melodic voice, bearing a composed smile. “I merely wished we could stay at home, is all. I miss my books. They make me feel more useful than going to celebrate a distant king.”

“I am not tolerating your nonsense”, he snaps at you. “My patience with you is running thin, Y/N. You don’t think I know you are smitten with Master H/N? Nay. A lone wolf does not survive without its pack, and it’s more than time for you to build yours.”

Message is clear. You turn your gaze away, hurt for not being told you are about to get married to some stranger… and thus miss the freedom you’ve always had.

But you can’t tell what fate has for you…

***

Lord Aemond has just left Vhagar when he spots Ser Criston Cole in fast pace.

“Let me guess. Aegon has gone missing again, hasn’t he?”, he rolls his eyes. “And right today. I shouldn’t be surprised. In fact, I am not.”

Ser Criston smirks at the prince.

“Your mother is not in the best of the moods this day, my prince. You are lucky there’s still thirty minutes ahead before the feast begins.”

Aemond smirks back.

“Always on time.”

He, however, hopes he will not be seen when his name echoes in the hallway. Aemond stops, shoulders tense. Fuck.

“Mother dear”, he turns, hands behind his back, posture perfect. “To what I owe the honor?”

“Don’t play the cynical with me, Aemond Targaryen. I told you not to ride on Vhagar this day. It’s your father’s name day. What’s wrong with you?” Alicent smells and groans. “Goodness me! You smell like old dragon!”

“Mother! No need to offend Vhagar”, he protests. “I will bath and not waste our time… Though I hardly expect that he is noticing us.”

“Don’t. Aemond, don’t say these things. Your father loves you…”

Aemond shakes his head. But, holding back his temper, he looks at his mother fondly before pressing a kiss over her temple.

“I will not take that long, I promise.”

And just like that he vanishes, much to Queen Alicent’s frustrations. Couldn’t they just be a functional family for once? But she chews her bottom lip and buried such thought deep in her mind under the pretense all that is well shall end well.

***

Your father is very pleased for the honored seats he arranged for him, your brother and you. He is to be found close to Princess Rhaenyra’s side, whom he regards as the true heir to the Iron Throne—as he vowed years before. Your brother, his heir, was arranged to seat by the Velaryon’s table. But you… you got the better part, or so he judged. You are to seat next to princess Helaena’s side.

Despite knowing her good nature, you are suddenly shy. You panic before the fact you are too close to the throne. That is, to the royal family.

I was born to be a loner. My father somehow fails to see it.

Yet, you mask well your insecurities. You take a deep breath, but as you step to take your place, lord Aemond shows up and joins you. You haven’t noticed he’d been following you with his eyes, amused by how socially awkward you are.

“If you excuse me, my lady, you are not the only outsider here”, he says in a husky tone.

“My lord prince”, your eyes go wide and your face goes bright pink. You instantly curtsy. “I…Greetings, my lord. I wasn’t expecting to join your family, is all. It’s an honor unfit for my station, despite my father believing otherwise.”

He chuckles at your words. Aemond is intrigued how you, clearly a northern, provides a great stark from his family.

“Well, I don’t think I’ve seen a humble nobleman before, less so a noblewoman”, he pulls a chair for you to seat before joining your side. “May I know your name, my lady?”

Something about his voice gives you chills and weakens your knees. But a proud she-wolf would not admit it, would you now?

“Lady Y/N Stark”, you present yourself regally. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance…”

He takes your hand and there presses a kiss. As your eyes meet, you don’t seem to notice how lingering the gaze is until he drops your hand. Aemond side smirks at you, amusement glinting before his good eye.

“As it is mine, lady Stark. Have you never seen an one eyed man before?”

“Staring is rude, my mother would reprehend me for such behavior, apologies”, you smile, though nothing in your eyes gives any sign of regret; the ambivalence of your body language and your words hold his attention. “People usually say the eyes give so much of the soul…”

“I have but one. Should it be presumed I have a hole in my soul?”, he muses sarcastically, much to your annoyance.

“This is hardly what I intended to speak. It appears, however, my lord has the ability to read minds since you can so easily decipher what is in mine”, you retort.

Lord Aemond chuckles, appreciating your sharp tongue as he takes a seat next to you at long last.

“Don’t mind me, lady Stark. I was merely being provocative. Ask my relatives away, if you like. Do not take it personal.”

You refuse to cast him a glance, pretending to concentrate yourself in the food there is on your plate.

“Why would I do so? I do not need proofs when you give so willingly.”

“It appears I offended my lady”, he observes in a whisper.

“We did not start well”, you agree, opting for the silence.

But Aemond is not letting you go quiet so easily. He is still transfixed by your presence and what you showed. Sweet you may be, but he finds something else in you that has all of him right into you without your notice.

“I’ve never been to Winterfell before”, he tells you. “So far I’ve been to Harrenhal and the Riverlands, but never so far north. The lands of the wolves. I’ve read about them. The dire-wolves are legendary beasts who, however, possess quite a connection with their owners. Some say it lies in the magical past of the First Men”.

His wit dissolves any first bad impression you had on him, forcing you to look at him, perplexed.

“How’d you know all these things?”

Aemond smirks, pleased to see he has your attention.

“I read books. I am not merely a sword player, my lady, nor some vain lord you might judge. I believe the brain is the best defense of any living creature.”

You tilt your head, not minding the festivities that are occurring, nor how Aegon is rolling his eyes at what he judges as boring conversation.

“Indeed it is, although not many of us are able to sharp it as it should”, you give a half crooked grin.

“How so, lady Stark?”, he inquires, taking his goblet of wine to his lips all the while locking eyes with you.

Your knees go weak and something about how he stares at you makes your feminine parts go warm. Despite such uncomfortable realization, you mask your sentiments well.

“Men are given a greater level of liberty to such matters. This should tell a lot.”

“I detect some resentment in it.”

“This world is not balanced nor fair, my lord. And yet I can’t say I am not privileged myself. I’ve been given some access to knowledge, that I will not lie, against my own mother’s desires, but I wish I had more.”

Aemond smirks. You think he is denuding your soul, but instead of pushing him away, your eyes remain glued against his—the invitation is too tempting to refuse.

“Has the wolf been caged?”

“No, my lord. Like dragons, we are not anybody’s possessions to be slaved to others’ will.”

But for now the conversation is interrupted. To Aemond’s consternation, Lord Velaryon asks you for a dance. What annoys him further is that you smile at him and say yes.

(To be continue)

#ewan mitchell #aemond targaryen #aemond targaryen x female reader #house of the dragon #aemond targaryen x y/n #aemond fic #house targaryen #aemond #aemond x fem!reader #Aemond Targaryen x Y/N Stark

[goldennika]

moabong v2 preorders are out which means we get more details! and some new features too like shake to change color and replaceable cross parts! any first impressions on it so far?

I’m so glad they kept the retractable feature and the finding MOA feature!!! 🥹😭😭 Those were some of the best features of moabong v1 🥺

I’m a still a little bummed that it’s less colorful now but the “iridescent pearl” detail seems like such a classy touch that aligns with the more “mature” (or at least less cutesy) look they’re going for with v2! And the color shaking mode seems so fun!! I think it’d help to make moabongs stand out in events where there are different fandoms present and it’ll probs look v pretty irl 🥹

I’m a bit on the fence about the removable cross feature though 🤔 iirc there is a POB of album-inspired detachable crosses which feels very nostalgic 🥺 It seems like a cute feature that could lend itself v well to customizations but i’m worried that it could lead to it falling apart quicker/more easily and the cynical part of me thinks it feels a bit like a cashgrab hahaha like if they see the demand for more detachable crosses, they’ll probs go ahead and start selling multiple accessories for the moabong v2 😬

Still not sure how i feel about the more spherical shape too. The back looks like it’s still a bit flatter?? so idk how it would look irl

I think i feel a sense of relief overall hahaha and tbh the album-inspired crosses looked really cool when i first saw it!! But the practical side of me kicked in real quick 😂 I’ll still be hanging on to my moabong v1 for as long as i can but i’ll v likely be getting v2 sometime later for concert syncing purposes 🙈

#asks #moots #moabong #tomorrow x together #moabong v2

[perpetualcynicism]

does anyone other than me think about how cyno may have changed since becoming the general mahamatra, and what he was like beforehand?

(some allusions to angst and a hopefully-not-too-pretentiously-written ramble ahead)

when he was a student, he definitely still had a strong sense of justice and his forthcoming demeanour and his tendency to be received as intimidating to those who don’t know him, but i think he was… a little softer, somehow, as opposed to now. edges not yet sharpened by the role of the general mahamatra he’d later take on; fingers slightly calloused, but from holding a pen, not a spear. fingers stained with ink instead of blood. all the seeds were there for who he’d become, but they had yet to blossom, and the presence he exudes now wasn’t quite honed yet. 

i feel like he was a little more soft-spoken; still brusque by normal standards, yes, but he didn’t have the authority or the experience wielding it fully developed enough to make people tremble in their boots like he can now. he spoke his mind, and with confidence, too, because he thought it was right and it was true, not because he had any lessons to teach to others. 

though he was never shy— though he didn’t enjoy actively seeking people out, he wouldn’t hesitate to give his thoughts if something another said struck a wrong chord with him— there was a touch of hesitancy to him in his akademiya days, as if he wasn’t always quite sure of himself or what he meant to become. self-assured, but not always stable on the two feet he had planted beneath him.

he was a bookworm before he was a warrior, passing hours on end in the house of daena with his nose buried in novels, history books, books about the city’s law system; one of which earned him his vision. not from fighting, or from punishing the guilty. from reading a book he believed in, and enjoyed. 

he was also more aloof in his mannerisms, regarding students’ scuffles and petty dramas with the detached interest of one who didn’t bother with such things himself, and less grounded than he’d become: he didn’t need to be. didn’t need to worry about the dirt that caked his clothes and the sand in his eyes that came from being close to that ground when dealing with the aftermath of more serious matters. he was more cool and less cold, holding himself with calm distance rather than cutting authority, and very rarely needing to turn that penetrating stare of his to daggers.

cyno grew colder as time went on.

when younger, he didn’t really make jokes, either; again, he didn’t have to. there may have been a few rumours here and there about him being intimidating, or too blunt, but nothing to a degree of people becoming fearful at the mere mention of his name. he certainly had a presence within the akademiya; it just never called for active efforts required to convince others that he was a person beneath all the abrasive disposition.

and if it ever came to matters of love… he was a touch more warm. more open. less sure of how to comprehend these feelings, and more nervous as a result. lingering around the one he felt for, nonchalant and generally direct about his feelings while never really admitting them fully; perhaps still young and innocent enough to worry about small things such as rejection and unrequited love.

his hands were still smooth, and his tone was still gentle.

cyno was softer in those days. 

but then he picked up his spear, and donned his headdress, and there was no going back.

since then, he’s been hardened. a cynical person might even say beaten down by his duties and the struggle which accompanies them, until the softer sides of his youth were forced into hiding to avoid further harm. until his face became one of stone, his eyes of blades, and his heart a scale to weigh wrongdoings. a weapon of justice, wielded by an old god who sought for the blood of the guilty.

but behind that face and those eyes and that heart, beyond being a weapon, there lingers some softness still. some edges which have not been sharpened; a couple of walls here and there which fall under a loved one’s touch. though he has little time to read nowadays, cyno has a bookshelf in his home, stacked with the favourite stories of his past. and though he’s grown used to the taste of copper on his tongue and hot sand beneath his feet— the symptoms of the aftermath, as some might say— occasionally he lets himself drift from that dust-caked earth to some place above, where he can look down and escape the constant ache in his bones, the tension in his muscles. 

ignore, if even for a moment, the god dwelling within him, ever hungry for a tithe of justice exacted.

and sometimes, when the sky is clear and the stars align just right, cyno lets down the walls he’s built by years of hardship and bids the clam shell open to reveal a pearl inside. a sliver of that youthful innocence he’s kept under lock and key in fear of losing it altogether, slipping out through the cracks in his armour. he allows himself to be concerned with things like love and the fear of rejection that accompanies it, the whole experience like taking a plunge into quicksand and feeling it shift beneath his feet. unpredictable. unknowable. strangely intriguing. 

in these rare moments, he falls into a vulnerability he thought long lost to him (and dearly hoped wasn’t). his eyes lose their blades and become irises of scarlet; just irises, like everyone else has. his face stops being stone and reveals pretty features shaded with an undercurrent of a boy grown up too fast. he’s only human, at the end of the day, despite what the being inside him tries to say. 

because however hard he tries, and however sharp he needs to be, cyno still has warmth to share with those he cares for. he may have changed in places here and there, but his heart still contains the one thing that makes justice steadfast in an existence inherently turbulent and cruel; the ability to shed one’s cold, hard mask, and be soft to the world once more, even if all it has in return for you is punishment.

kindness.

#this is again unedited and i wrote it at 1am #if there are any typos or unfinished sentences or vocab/ lines that don’t quite fit please let me know and i’ll fix them later #genshin impact x reader #cyno #cyno x reader #sort of? ever so slightly if you squint?