#i am currently only one third of the way through the book and am also reading like three other things at the same time but bear with me.

[exhaled-spirals]

« To mention the global loss of biodiversity, that is to say, the disappearance of life on our planet, as one of our problems, along with air pollution or ocean acidification, is absurd—like a doctor listing the death of his patient as one symptom among others.

The ecological catastrophe cannot be reduced to the climate crisis. We must think about the disappearance of life in a global way. About two-thirds of insects, wild mammals and trees disappeared in a few years, a few decades and a few millennia, respectively. This mass extinction is not mainly caused by rising temperatures, but by the devastation of natural habitats.

Suppose we managed to invent clean and unlimited energy. This technological feat would be feted by the vast majority of scientists, synonymous in their eyes with a drastic reduction in CO2 emissions. In my opinion, it would lead to an even worse disaster. I am deeply convinced that, given the current state of our appetites and values, this energy would be used to intensify our gigantic project of systemic destruction of planetary life. Isn't that what we've set out to do—replace forests with supermarket parking lots, turn the planet into a landfill? What if, to cap it all, energy was free?

[...C]limate change has emerged as our most important ecological battle [...] because it is one that can perpetuate the delusional idea that we are faced with an engineering problem, in need of technological solutions. At the heart of current political and economic thought lies the idea that an ideal world would be a world in which we could continue to live in the same way, with fewer negative externalities. This is insane on several levels. Firstly because it is impossible. We can't have infinite growth in a finite world. We won't. But also, and more importantly, it is not desirable. Even if it were sustainable, the reality we construct is hell. [...]

It is often said that our Western world is desacralised. In reality, our civilisation treats the technosphere with almost devout reverence. And that's worse. We perceive the totality of reality through the prism of a hegemonic science, convinced that it “says” the only truth.

The problem is that technology is based on a very strange principle, so deeply ingrained in us that it remains unexpressed: no brakes are acceptable, what can be done must be done. We don't even bother to seriously and collectively debate the advisability of such "advances". We are under a spell. And we are avoiding the essential question: is this world in the making, standardised and computed, overbuilt and predictable, stripped of stars and birds, desirable?

To confine science to the search for "solutions" so we can continue down the same path is to lack both imagination and ambition. Because the “problem” we face doesn't seem to me, at this point, to be understood. No hope is possible if we don't start by questioning our assumptions, our values, our appetites, our symbols... [...] Let's stop pretending that the numerous and diverse human societies that have populated this planet did not exist. Certainly, some of them have taken the wrong route. But ours is the first to forge ahead towards guaranteed failure. »

— Aurélien Barrau, particle physicist and philosopher, in an interview in Télérama about his book L'Hypothèse K

#quote #article #aurélien barrau #ecology #science #english #translation mine

[seraphinalovesme]

The Sweetest Of All

The third wife of Adam, Reader, is the calmest and most elegant seraph of the two main seraphs. Besides helping around the office and sending small messages to other angels, she is the Sera Assistant.

____ is the most calm and elegant Seraphim, and every Seraphim that you have ever met is the most calm person that you will ever meet too! If you want to vent out some sadness, go to ____; if you want to vent out some problems you have, go to ____; she is the most kind one, because whatever your problems are, she is willing to help at any time. Seeking help from the Seraphim can provide a sense of relief and comfort. Their calm and elegant nature creates a soothing environment that allows individuals to express their emotions freely without fear of judgment. Additionally, they provide individuals with the support and guidance they need at any time, regardless of their situation. All you need to do is ask her husband. To be honest, no one goes through because her husband is blocking the way. and the problem is... Her husband is Adam, the first man, and he has lived up to that title for billions of years. You see, why is that a problem? Well, that man is the most arrogant, self-centered, asshole angel that you ever met; he will cut you off when you mention his wife, because he wanted to talk about him and him only, because damn, he is the first man after all; he deserved to be talked about, i mean! He is in the Bible! and all humans came from his nut! and the other angels were shocked that why did ______ marry that guy out of all the angels here who are super nice, caring, and also loving, but they all have the same answer: "Oh! My dearest Adam is the sweetest man once you get to know him better! After all, we don't judge the cover of the book!" ______ smiled at the angel and gently pinched his cheek before walking up to Adam and staying by his side the entire day! listening to him about rock and his rant about his work and sera _____ is currently at work helping Sera with some of the problem on earth and as well Hell and its being overpopulated yes _____ she knows about the extermination and how her Husband Adam leads it and every time when the extermination start she always reminds Adam to be careful which He always reply "Chillax babe i am The Adam! the first man!! they wont lay a scratch on me okay? now stop worrying Babe cause that type of stuff doesn't suit you at all!" _____felt her cheek being cupped, she look at Adam in the eyes and sighed and kiss him by the cheek and hold his hand "I know, i know... its just that... i don't want that someday when i waited that portal to be open and i didn't see you...i-" "Hey! Hey! babe you don't trust my strength at all? No Dirty Sinners will touch me! let alone kill me!!" Adam reassured ____ that he will be safe cause he is fucking Adam no one can kill him! .. With his words and reassurance, he smiled at Adam and hugged him tight. Adam kissed _____ by the lips and hugged her back. As soon as the door was opened, Second Hand Lieutenant Lute Adams entered the room. "Sir, it's about to start," she said as she looked down, knowing that the couple were kissing once she heard the room was quiet. The hug was broken by Adam's sigh and he pulled away. 

#hazbin adam x reader #adam x reader #hazbin hotel adam #hazbin hotel adam x reader #hazbin hotel adam x you #adam hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel one shot #hazbin hotel x reader

[thesensteawitch]

About Your Future Potential Partner!🌹❤️

Pick A Pile Reading

~valentine's special ✨

(Left to Right - Pile 1, Pile 2, Pile 3)

Hello, Senstea Souls! 🌹

Thank you for the love you gave to my last blog! I am so grateful for all the reblogs!✨

Now, this reading is about your future potential partner.

This reading is purely based on your current energy. So the partner that comes out is based on your current energy/life situation.

Valentine's day is coming and if you wish to attract the right kind of love then book “finding true love reading” only at $10. Below I am sharing the links:

💌Booking Form|My Rate Card|Tip My Blog💌

Pile 1

Tarot Cards- 10 of cups, The Wheel of Fortune, 3 of Cups, 4 of Wands, 10 of Pentacles, Judgement, 5 of Wands

Hello, my beautiful, pile 1. I literally have tears in my eyes right now! I AM FEELING SO SO SO HAPPY FOR YOU! What I am about to say might feel unbelievable to you too. I just saw 10 of cups I was like wow. And then I saw 10 of pentacles and there was another wow. And then I read in a card, “You're very close to achieving your goals!” And currently, I hear, “I have waited long enough to finally say ‘I do’.....I swear I always knew. It's always been you!” There are other favorable cards too in this pile. So I see one thing very clearly an old relationship or a situation where you already knew this person is being renewed!!!!! My God! And I'll tell you why I had tears in my eyes. It's because I feel you had no hope. For you, it was over. Some of you even felt like or still feel that you have been on a waiting period for a very very very long time now. And even if it hasn't been that long it did feel that way. This person is going to bring the world to your feet. They will be looking for stability and something long-term. You've been in this period of recovery and finding yourself. I see rebirth! Wheels will be turning again and this time will bring a book into your love life. You'll finally have this partner for the long term. The only thing that I feel may stop you is the thought of the past because I see that things didn't go so well with this person in the past. You have so many doubts. You aren't capable of trusting them again. 10s and 20s may be significant. Everything will fall in place with this person again at divine timing. (If any of you guys' relationship has been toxic and you don't want them back in your life then this is not your pile my dear. I suggest you to choose another one.) For some of you, I also see that in the past there was third-party involvement and insecurities from one or both ends. Now let's talk about this person. Though I don't think that I have to tell you about who they are still I'll tell you about their intentions. They are looking for a family with you. They see both of you as an end game. I also sense that they are very emotional. I also sense that they are hardworking and care a lot about financial stability. If nothing's happening right now then know that they are exhausted with their life. But when their true nature is quite playful. I think they are going through something challenging right now and are trying to resolve some things in their personal lives. You're being advised to not think too much and surrender this situation to God. Energetically you need to let go of something from the past to let something new enter. I also hear, “They didn't even put up a fight. They didn't even make a sound. I found a way to let you in but I never really had doubt. Standing in the light of Halo I got my angel now.” You're just not supposed to do anything about this situation. Just focus on yourself. That's what the universe wants you to do. Don't even stay in the waiting energy. Just surrender! Book a reading with me if you want to manifest your true love. The reading is only for $10.

Pile 2

Tarot Cards- The Devil, Knight of Swords, Queen of Swords, 2 of Wands, Page of Pentacles, Knight of Pentacles

The first thing I heard was that your future potential partner is not going to make you wait at all!!!! They are going to be so assertive and will follow you like crazy. Don't worry they won't stalk you, haha! They will have pure intentions! But I see they love to talk and love to say things out loud. They will be the kind of person who is always up to something. They will just see you and they will know that you are their person. You will travel with them a lot. They will be someone who takes no pride in going after what they want. They won't be egoistic at all. They can be quite blunt or brutally honest at times. But as quick they will be it will take a lot of time for them to finally have you. Their manifestations take time to come to fruition. They are someone who will have big dreams! They will be quick learners and will have a lot to talk about. They may also be drawn towards spirituality or their path will take them that road. I also sense that they will be someone who is always outdoors, enjoying life. They are so so so outspoken! Their talk will just blow your mind and your heart will race listening about their wonderland. I also hear a message from them, “If we go down then we go down together! We'll get away with everything let's show them we are better.” So I also sense that they won't want anything casual with you. Everyone will know about you and them. Participating in their wildest fantasies might scare you off or put you off guard. I also sense that deep down they have this fear of being left alone. That no one will ever join them in their crazy ideas. They won't be delusional. They will be someone who wants different things compared to the crowd. And it will be a quite transforming journey for you if you join them and I don't think you'll regret it. Their view of the world will be quite different. Though they will be fond of the sun there's a sun burning within them that lights up any room they enter. The challenge for you will also be to understand their wounds because that is what will make you irreplaceable in their lives. I also hear from them, “Nobody ever knows. Nobody ever sees. I left my soul back then and now I am too weak.” Their past relationships were too damaging for them. They can be someone with abandonment wounds. But I see they'll work through all their wounds they just need genuine connections. Because deep down they hold a lot of past wounds and they know what losing people truly means. Nevertheless, they will be a full package of love and light. Book a reading with me to manifest your person. The reading is only for $10.

Pile 3

Tarot Cards- Ace of Wands, Page of Wands, 6 of Cups, Ace of Cups, The Devil, The High Priestess, Wheel of Fortune

Hello, my beautiful pile 3. Silence by Marsmello is your future person's vibe. They will have strong water placement. They are so stuck in their past! They just hold onto what happened to them and only reveal bits and crumbs of their life. They will also have trust issues. I hear from them, “How do I love? How do I love again? How do I trust? How do I trust again? I stay up all night. Tell me I am alright...Every night I am dancing with your ghost.” For some of you, I also sense that this is someone who knows from your past. This future person can be a past life partner too. (If you were attracted to pile 1, do read it. I think it may have a message for you.) This person will look for escape rather than facing their wounds. They will be someone deeply wounded. A wild panther who has been hurt by many people. They can also be an overthinker. They'll be overflowing with emotions but won't know where to navigate them and how to express them. Some days they may burst out with sentimental words and then the other days they may just waste overthinking about every action of yours and theirs. Honestly, they'll be too naive when it comes to love. They will be so lonely and maybe someone who would give in to temptations or will just put themselves into lots and lots of work so that they can run away from their true emotions. You should be cautious dealing with this person, pile 3. There may be parts of yourself that you need to heal to not let this toxicity consume you. Because for some of you, I see that you may end up talking to them because they will be someone from the past, someone who was dear to you. No matter what their experience has been nobody deserves to take in other people's toxicity. So they can be someone who just pulls back their energy as soon as they see a single sign of danger. I do see major shifts happening in this situation when they enter your life. A lesson that you may need to learn from this person will be surfaced. It's very specific but I see that they can be someone who sings or something about their voice will be very captivating. I feel that you'll be someone who will be a blessing from the universe in their lives. They may or may not recognize it. Choosing you will make their lives better but ghosting you and avoiding you will only mean that they are missing out on a blessing they wished to have when they were at their lowest. What a tragedy! You've got nothing to do. You just be yourself. Walk away immediately when you're not valued. Keep yourself elated. You are the light that the world needs perhaps that will be your role in their lives. Wish them well but never let yourself down. Honestly, your light will trigger them because they would have been in darkness for such a long time. Just a warning, that they will change their mind often and you're not supposed to keep getting into on-and-off situations with them. Be very clear while communicating. They may even self-sabotage (already warning you). But it's okay. At least you'll know your answer and walk away. To attract the right kind of connection either through this same person or from someone else book “Finding True Love” reading with me only at $10.

#valentines special #pick a pile reading #pick a picture #tarot reading #pick a pile #free tarot reading #love reading #love tarot free #love tarot reading #your person #manifest love #tarot readings #tarot reader #tarot cards #tarotblr #tarotcommunity #message for the collective

[redgoldsparks]

I did a short interview for an alumni spotlight on the CCA website. You can click through but I'll also just copy my answers below the cut.

Maia Kobabe (e/em/eir) is a nonbinary/queer/trans author and illustrator, a voracious reader, a k-pop fan, and a daydreamer. You can learn an astonishing number of intimate details about em in Gender Queer: A Memoir and in eir other short comics, published by The New Yorker, The Nib, The Washington Post and in many print anthologies. Gender Queer won a Stonewall Honor and an Alex Award from the American Library Association in 2020. It was also the most challenged book in the United States in 2021 and 2022.

Maia shares more about eir life as a full-time artist and activist, fighting to protect diverse literature and the freedom to access information.

1. What is your current practice/business?

I am a full time cartoonist. My job consists of days working at home writing and drawing mixed with days speaking out against book banning and censorship, and in support of the freedom to read, the freedom to teach, and the freedom to access information. I spend a lot of time talking with other authors, teachers, and librarians about protecting diverse and queer books from the current wave of conservative attacks. The first piece I drew for the comics journalism site The Nib was about the rise of fascism in the United States; my later writing about queer, trans, and nonbinary identities has led me into consistently political territory.

2. Why did you choose CCA?

I chose CCA because I was looking for a MFA Comics program, of which there are very few, and I wanted to stay in the Bay Area. Because I'm a local, I was able to meet the majority of the MFA Comics faculty before I applied and felt immediately welcomed into their community. The fact that a majority of my professors for the first year of the program were queer was a huge draw as well.

3. If you could share one piece of advice with current or future students, what would it be?

Every single person has a story only they could tell. No matter what media you are working in, do your best to tell the story which is uniquely yours. If you aren't ready to tell it yet, just keep making art until the time to share that story arrives. No time spent creating is ever wasted.

4. What's your secret to staying inspired and creative?

I realized fairly early in life that my very favorite way to spend the day was drawing while listening to music, a podcast, or an audiobook. I like making things! I would rather be making things than doing almost anything else. I created a life in which I can spend a lot of time creating things and even if I don't particularly know what I am making, I am happy.

5. What do you have coming up?

My second book, Breathe: Journeys to Healthy Binding, written with Dr Sarah Pietzmeier, is coming out in May 2024 from Dutton. It's a nonfiction comic about chest binding as an aspect of trans healthcare. I'm currently drawing my third book, Saachi's Stories, written with Lucky Srikumar; it's due out from Scholastic Graphix in 2026. I am also working on adapting Gender Queer: A Memoir into an audiobook.

#maia kobabe #gender queer a memoir #interview #comics #making art

[nerdyvocals]

9 People to Know Better (except I'm not tagging 9 people)

I don't normally do tag games, but I got tagged in this twice (by @jealous-kippen and @remmixx, my beloveds <3) so here I am! (also as I'm writing this out I am realizing that while both posts were titled the same way, it looks like they had different question prompts??? So I'm just gonna combine the two)

Favorite Color: Purple! Any shade will have my heart but I am partial to more red-toned purples. (PV, if that means anything to anyone who sees this other than me, you know who you are)

Currently Reading: Three things! In terms of actual books, I've been slowly making my way through the Riordanverse since my university did The Lightning Thief in my second year (first school in my state to do it once the rights were released!) since I somehow never got into Percy Jackson as a kid, and I'm currently on Son of Neptune. I'm also one like my third or fourth re-read of Eurydice by Sara Ruhl, since that's the play I'm designing the costumes for for my senior project. And in terms of fanfic, I woke up to a notification about this yesterday and Actually Screeched.

Last Song: Dial Drunk by Noah Kahan (ft. Post Malone), which was a bit of an accident. I use siri to request music while I'm driving and I asked for Dial Drunk and was singing along until I got jumpscared by the slight difference before Post Malone's verse. Although if you look at my spotify, the ROTPL album has been on repeat for weeks.

Currently Watching (Series): I've been hyperfixated on ROTPL and have watched it over a dozen times at this point, which is probably not healthy, so I put on NCIS last night for background noise while I ate dinner and accidentally watched like six episodes.

Currently Watching (Movie): Saw the Barbie movie the night before the actual opening with my coworkers (We don't cross picket lines people! I was not asked nor invited by any company, and I paid full price for my ticket. There's a one-screen theatre in the town where I'm doing summer stock, this relic from the 50's, and they were able to get access to the film a day early and did a special first come first serve premiere.) and we all sobbed the entire way through.

Current Obsession: Rise of the Pink Ladies. Full stop. I'd seen clips of it when it first aired in April but I was iffy on it in spite of how good it looked. Like most, I'm a little tired of reboots and remakes, and while I did clock Cynthia as being queer within two seconds, (I believe my exact words were "That's either a very butch lesbian or the eggiest egg to ever egg.") I was Convinced it was a queerbait situation. Plus I was nearing finals and didn't have time to get into a new show. But then Crushing Me was trending on tiktok and I realized this was not queerbait, so I put it on to have something playing while I packed for summer stock and it's been the only thing I can think about since mid May. It got me writing fanfic again for the first time in years, if that tells you anything. Speaking of,

Currently Working On: A follow-up to my previous fic, Steady, Steady! I wanted to have it up this week, but it is a behemoth. I'm a little over halfway through my plot outline and I'm at 10,441 words. Fun fact, this will be my longest single-chapter fic so far. Not just in the fandom, not just on AO3, but ever (so far!)

No-Pressure Tagging: @merely-a-player, @penguin-writes-books, @el-fandom-birb, @marley-barnes112, @isweartheyregayyourhonor, and @look-at-those-niceass-rocks (since I've already dragged you back to tumblr kicking and screaming)

#tag game #this was fun #and also longer than I expected

[velvethopewrites]

The sob story with this is that I wrote this yesterday and it got deleted before I could save it. I wanted to die cry, basically. Somehow I managed to re-create most of it, after working on it all damn day. (I basically ended up writing over 6,000+ words in one day. Yowza) I still feel as though the first version was better, but…no one knows that but me, I suppose. (And my partner, who got to read it right before the horrors happened). Regardless, I am proud of this and proud of myself for not giving up when it really would have been easy to. So huzzah to the fickle hand of fate and all that stuff.

For Suptober 2023 prompt “starlight”

I tag @fellshish and @canonblastedships and @clarkenting for being super cool reblog buddies, lol (which is just a thing I made up) This is the longest destiel fic I’ve written yet and it will be my first official AO3 destiel! (As soon as I remember how to do that, oy)

Edited: Now with Spiffy AO3 Link! Here!

The Starlight

There were three types of people that visited the Starlight Lounge — drunks, people desperate to score, and the employees that made their bread and butter trying to tame the other two.

Dean Winchester, unfortunately, was a member of that third group. Oh, sure, Dean had been known to put away a fair bunch of liquor in his day, and sure, Dean had definitely been known to do the Bedroom Rodeo whenever the opportunity presented itself. Hell, back when he’d first started at the Starlight he’d often been three types at once. Work, drink, get laid. Sometimes, not even in that order.

But that was past Dean. Current and newly mature Dean (hah) just wanted to work, go home, eat and fall into his bed. Working at the Starlight wasn’t that bad – it had fairly decent pay and it was often interesting. And like everyone else, Dean had bills to pay and he gave more than his fair share to Sammy. Not that Sam really needed it anymore; he was busy working as a law clerk downtown, putting himself through school. But still, Dean wanted to help as much as he could and besides it was his brotherly duty. Heh. Duty.

Tonight, due to the cold and rainy weather, the bar was fairly empty and business had been slow. There was only one of his regulars, a writer by the name of Chuck crying into his notebooks at the back of the bar. To be honest, Dean had never seen Chuck write a damn thing but the man sure could put scotch away like a pro.  There was also a young couple making out in one of the booths near the restrooms. He’d been keeping an eye on them most of the night, actually, making sure no one lost any clothing. The Starlight didn’t need a public indecency charge on the books. At least, not so soon since the last one, at any rate. 

Dean yawned and finished cleaning up the bar, hoping Chuck and the couple on their way to Soft-Porn Town would soon be leaving. Maybe Dean could even push them on their way a bit early, so he could get home at a decent time, for once.  As he walked over towards Chuck to perhaps lightly suggest the writer hit the road, the double doors of the bar blew open – bringing in the rain, the cold rush of the wind and a new customer in a beige trench coat with seriously fucked up hair. Great.

Dean sighed and turned back around as the new guy slumped onto the first stool at the bar. His dark brown, messed up hair looked even worse up close, and he had a scowl on his face as he glared down at the bar in front of him.

“Whiskey. Neat,” Messy-Hair said, voice low and very rumbly.

Dean pulled down a clean glass and poured some of their nicer whiskey into it. Dude looks like he could afford it, at any rate. He had a nice suit on under the coat, now that Dean could properly see it and his watch was one of those big clunky things that could probably tell the time on Jupiter or some shit like that. The man’s hand reaches for the glass before Dean has barely pushed it forward. He throws back the drink in record time and hits the bar with it so that it makes a loud thunk.

“Another one.”

Dean shrugged as the man kept glaring down at the bar as though it contained all the answers to life and everything else; Dean knew for a fact that it didn’t. It didn’t even have a ‘42’ scratched into it or anything. (RIP Douglas Adams)

This time the man just wraps his hand around the glass, his fingers clutching at it and woah, Dean thinks, dude’s got some huge fucking hands. They’re big and they’re strong looking. The fingers are nice and long and graceful and oh, oh, oh. Maybe it’s a kink, or maybe it’s a preference, but Dean loves hands. Manly looking mitts like Messy-Hair here and even smaller, more delicate hands like on most women, with pretty nail colors. But Dean’s not choosy.

He sees motion out of the corner of his eye and notices Chuck signaling that he’d like to pay up. Glancing at Messy-Hair he figures he has a few minutes before having to pour him another so he sets the bottle down and heads over to the other side.

“All right there, Chuck?”

“Yeah, yeah, thank you, Dean.”

The older man is flipping through his wallet and counting out his cash slowly. Dean wipes the bar and puts Chuck’s last glass into the bucket for later cleaning.

“Write anything tonight?” Dean always asks this question. It’s like a little game he and Chuck play because it always has the same answer.

“No,” Chuck says looking up at him. He places his finger to his temple solemnly, almost like he’s holding a gun. “But I did a lot of work up here.”

He always gives Dean this look as though Dean should know exactly what he’s talking about. But, of course, Dean never does. He likes to read but he sure as hell would never attempt to write. Personally, he thinks Chuck is sort of crazy, but hey, to each their own, right?

Chuck pushes his notebooks into his old canvas bag on the bar. It’s bulging with everything he carries with him and looks fit to burst. Dean supposes that writer’s block is heavy business.

Chucks nods goodnight as he slips his bag over his shoulders, buckling a bit under the weight. Dean watches as he wobbles away and he’s not sure if it’s from the alcohol or the bag. He’d normally be worried (hey, no bar can stay in business if all its clientele got themselves killed), but he knows Chuck lives nearby. He’ll be all right and probably in his same spot tomorrow evening. He puts Chuck’s money into the till and realizes he tipped Dean more than usual. He really did have had a good night, then.

He notices the couple trying to break the world record for smooches in a single night are getting up and putting on their jackets. Maybe Dean can get out early; he’s got the DVR set for Dr Sexy already, but he wouldn’t say no to catching it live for once.

Glancing over he sees Messy-Hair is now resting his head on the bar, but he lifts it as the doors bang shut behind Chuck, the cold burst of wind making his hair looking even more disheveled. Dean heads back over to see if he needs a refill and is suddenly struck dumb by the other man finally looking at him. Holy Mother of Blue, those are some eyes. The dude is handsome. Like old-time movie handsome. Strong jaw, with a smattering of scruff, pink soft lips and eyes that look like they can see into your soul, no, scratch that, not see, but pierce. Dean swallows roughly and picks up the whiskey bottle. 

“Hey, uh, it’s getting late. One more for the road?” Dean assumes the dude doesn’t know the Starlight is technically open until midnight. Assumes, hah. More like prays.

Blue-Eyes stares at him and frowns. “I thought this establishment closed at midnight.”

“Er, yeah. I suppose it does.”

“Then I’ll take another,” Blue-Eyes pauses and holds out his glass. “And keep them coming for the next forty-five minutes, barkeep.”

Dean blinks at the old-fashioned word and pours another round. They stare at each other until he hears a giggle and a clearing of a throat. He looks over to see the couple and wonders how long they’ve been waiting. Judging from the churlish look on the guy’s face and the barely contained laughter emanating from the girl, it’s been awhile. He settles their tab and takes their money (lousy tip, of course) as the two saunter past Blue-Eyes and escape out into the night. Well, at least Dean can see it’s stopped raining.

Making up his mind, he follows them from behind the bar and locks the door after them. He flips off the sign, too. He may be stuck here with Blue-Eyes, but he’ll be damned if he’ll let someone else come meandering in to make him get home even later.

He comes back to stand in front of his customer and makes a decision. Pulling down another glass, he pours some of the whiskey into it and sighs as the warmth of it hits his system. What do they always say about good whiskey? It should warm the cockles of the heart, or something like that. Not that Dean actually knows what a cockle is, but hey, it went down smooth.

He realizes Blue-Eyes is watching him and Dean decides to bite the bullet. He’s tired, bored and probably on his way to cranky town if Blue-Eyes keeps his word about the next forty-five minutes.

“So, what brings you out on a cold and rainy night like tonight, Mr, uh…what’s your name? I can’t keep calling you what I’ve been calling you in my head.”

The other man squints and tilts his head at Dean like a tiny, confused bird. And no, Dean doesn’t find that adorable at all. Nope.

“What have you been calling me in your head?”

Dean purses his lips. Sometimes he’s really an idiot. He gives Blue-Eyes a shaky laugh.

“I said I wasn’t gonna keeping doing that.”

They stare at each other again, neither one budging until Blue-Eyes releases a breath and blinks, shoulders slumping a bit more. By the end of the night Dean expects this guy to be melted into the floor.

“Cas.”

Dean frowns. “Your name is Mr Cas?”

“No, just Cas.” Blue-Eyes, no, scratch that, Cas then holds out his hand so Dean can shake it like they’re fellow professionals meeting at a party or something. As he grips the other man’s hand in his own he realizes Cas’s hand is warm, dry, and, yep, strong. The dude is seriously ticking all of Dean’s boxes without even trying. It’s a bit unnerving, really.

“Is that short for something?” Dean asks, wondering what type of name that is.

Cas just looks at him over the rim of his glass. “Perhaps.”

Neither of them say anything else for a long moment and Dean shakes his head. “People ever tell you you talk too much?”

“Yes. All the time,” Cas says with a smirk.

Dean laughs. “Well, whatever. It’s officially nice to meet you, Cas. I’m Dean. Humble and professional barkeep at your service.”

“Hello, Dean.”

Cas’s voice is deep but there’s a warmth to it that makes Dean happy.  They chit-chat for a bit, just like Dean would do with any newbie to the bar. He pours them both another round and then tries his question again.

“So, you seemed a bit upset earlier. What brought you through my doors, Cas?”

Cas sighs and glances away. He taps his fingers lightly on the polished wood of the bar. He stares at Dean as though assessing him and then looks as though he’s made up his mind.

“My…er, the person I’ve been dating, dumped me tonight. We went to an expensive restaurant and ordered far too pricey food for the serving size and drank outrageously fancy wine. Then they ordered an expensive bottle of cognac, drank it all and then told me I wasn’t worth it.”

Dean winces. “Ouch. How long were you together?”

“Six months.”

“Well, it’s not too long for a relationship, but it’s long enough to hurt.”

Cas nods, looking sullen again.

“What special occasion was it?”

Cas stares at him. “How could you possibly know that?”

“Fancy restaurant, the way you’re dressed, the cognac. Nobody orders that unless there’s been a birth or an anniversary or both.”

“It was my birthday,” Cas says, looking down again.

“Fuck,” Dean blurts out without thinking. “And they dumped you? Seriously bad juju, man.”

Cas nods and takes another drink of his whiskey, looking miserable. Dean tops off both of their glasses and hums.

“What was his name?”

Cas whips his head up, suddenly looking confused and more than a little worried. “I never said it was a he.”

“It was your distinct lack of pronouns, dude. Always the dead giveaway. Trust me, as a guy who plays for both sides, I know. Pronouns are key. Hey, relax, Cas, this is a safe space.” Dean points to the small pride flag he keeps above the bar and watches as Cas visibly relaxes.

The silence that falls between them is comfortable now. Welcoming, even. Cas clears his throat and rests his hand on his chin, peering at Dean.

“So…you’re bi, I assume or, pan, perhaps?”

“Got it in one. Just another bisexual loser ruining the world one lay at a time.”

Dean winks to show he’s only kidding. He’s proud to be bi, but it doesn’t mean he can’t make a joke at his own expense. Of course, if Sam or his friend Charlie were here they’d both tell him what they thought of that.

“His name was Bartholomew.”

Dean snorts. “It fits him. Douche-y name for a douche-canoe.”

Cas barks out a laugh and it completely changes his face into something truly beautiful. Dean suddenly feels the need to always make Cas laugh like that. He can’t imagine anyone not wanting to – his laugh is infectious. And the light it puts in his eyes is irresistible.

Cas looks serious again as he swirls the rest of the whiskey in his glass. “To be honest, Bart was just the last in a long line of failed…connections. I’m doubting my own self-worth at this point. Everyone ends up leaving or they get fed up with me. I’m too introverted…too socially awkward to deal with, I suppose.”

“I don’t know, you seem to be doing okay right now.”

“I’ve been drinking,” Cas says, deadpan. “And also I’m paying you.”

Dean chuckles. “Not really, I decided to stop charging you as soon as I poured my first one.”

“Your hospitality know no bounds. Truly.”

Dean laughs. Cas’s dry delivery and poker-faced expressions really are the limit. He feels that familiar warmth he always gets when he meets someone new. A someone new that excites him. But he pushes the feeling aside because he knows on some level that trying to get into Cas’s pants is so not what the other man needs right now. Dean shivers as he realizes how damn mature that sounds. Next he’ll be looking into 401ks and cemetery plots.

“Well, consider them birthday drinks. Of course, this stuff doesn’t cost a small fortune or anything, but I figured you’d already paid out enough tonight.”

Cas smirks and shakes his head at Dean. “Thank you, Dean. It’s actually very kind of you to…take pity on me.”

He says it jokingly but Dean gets the sense that he means it. He reaches forward and touches Cas’s hand.

“Hey, no pity here. You are ridiculously attractive and if I didn’t have a conscience, I’d definitely be throwing out my best lines here to help you relieve some tension, if you know what I mean. And you are not awkward to me, but even if you were, it wouldn’t be enough to stop me from asking for your number or seeing if you wanted to meet up sometime. I barely know you but you seem like a decent guy, Cas. And I think all of those people that don’t get you can just fuck right off. You need to keep trying, man. Don’t give up just because a few losers couldn’t see what they had.”

Cas blinks at Dean, blue eyes getting huge. “You think I’m ridiculously attractive?”

Dean thinks back. Did he say that? Yeah, he said that. Figures that would be the only thing to register with the dude.

“What sort of line would you use on me? I mean, if you were going to, that is.” Cas shyly glances away and then back, a curious look on his face.

“Oh, uh, probably something like, well you know what they say — the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.” Dean waggles his eyebrows and smirks, faking a leer.

“I’m not sure that would work with me,” Cas says, mirth clear in his eyes.

“Yeah, yeah. You’d make me work for it, I know. But seriously, you need to regroup, clear out the douche-canoes from your life and find a new guy, man.”

Cas smiles at him in fondness, and nope, Dean is not going to do it. He will not break his rule about dating people just out of relationships. Not even for big huge blue eyes that make him feel sappy like a love song. Cas, however, clearly has other plans.

“This may be forward but, um, Dean would you allow me take you out for dinner? As a date, in case you were wondering how I meant it.”

“Oh, wow, Cas, um, I mean…”

Cas’s face takes an interesting journey in two seconds – from hopeful joy to miserable and wretched. Dean feels his heart break a little bit for him in that moment and mentally kicks his own ass for being a tool.

“Oh, I see. I…I’m sorry, Dean. Thank you for hospitality.” Cas fumbles with his wallet and places far too much money next to his glass. “I won’t keep you anymore. Go home and enjoy whatever is left of your night.”

Dean watches dumbly as Cas sits up straighter and then turns in his seat, his broad shoulders unyielding, suddenly. Dean knows he just can’t let it end like this.

“No, wait, Cas!”

Dean practically flings himself around the bar to reach Cas before he can unlock the door and leave without a backwards glance. He rests his hand on Cas’s shoulder, stopping him.

“It’s only because I have a rule about dating people that just got out of a relationship. It has nothing to do with you, I promise you. You need to focus on you, dude. Figure out what you’re looking for. If this one was just the last in a long line of guys who don’t understand you, try and see what people you’re going for. I mean, I’m no expert, and God knows I’ve had my fair share of jumping before looking moments, but I think you just need some Cas time right now, you know? If we ever start something I do not want to be rebound guy and you deserve something better than a one night stand.”

Cas stares at him, blue eyes half in shadow.  Dean holds his breath, hoping he didn’t just lose something. All he can hear is the clock ticking behind him and the pounding of his own heart in his ears.

“That was quite the speech,” Cas finally says. “You sound like you know from experience.”

“Cas, man. You have no idea.”

“I have some, like I said, a long line of rejections. Still…”  Cas’s eyes search his face and then nods to himself. “Maybe you’re right. I do tend to do things without thinking in this area of life despite being very practical usually. And you’re also right on anther point, Dean. You do not deserve to be “rebound guy”.”

Dean can’t help his grin as Cas makes the quotes motion with his fingers. They stare at each other for a bit longer before he unlocks the door. Cas steps out as the cold air filters in between them, causing them bother to shiver. Dean pauses, and then holds out his hand. “Let me have your phone.”

“My phone?”

“Yeah, you have one, right? Or have you moved on to something flashier like sky writing?”

Cas snorts and shakes his head. He fumbles in his pockets and then pulls out a slim, black smartphone. He unlocks it and hands it over. Of course, it’d be that kind of phone that can help you bake bread or turn off all the lights in the world with just a click or something. He finally finds what he’s looking for and puts his contact information in.

“There. There’s my number. Text me to let me know you get home, okay? And as for the rest, we’ll take it one day at a time, Cas. Let’s be friends, first.”

Cas smiles shyly as he looks down at his phone and nods. “Friends, first. I like that. Goodnight, Dean.”

“Goodnight, buddy. Be safe.”

Cas slips out and away, leaving a coldness in his wake as he takes his body heat with him. Dean watches him go, the black of the night almost swallowing him up. Cas pauses to pull his coat tighter, the glow of the streetlight lighting up his profile. To Dean he looks pure—angelic, almost, like a painting or a sculpture. With one last look at Dean, he eventually fades away, disappearing back into the world. Soon all Dean can see is his own breath in the air and the twinkling starlight from the surprisingly clear sky above. He locks up again and finishes his routine for the night. After he’s put the money in the safe and headed out back to his car, he feels happy inside. Like something good just occurred — like some new path has been cleared for him to travel. His drive home is quick and easy, there’s hardly any traffic mostly due to the earlier rain. It’s just as he’s pulling into his driveway that he feels his phone buzz in his pocket. It’s from an unknown number and his heart beats faster as he reads the message.

From unknown: I arrived home safely, Dean. Thank you, again. Would you like to get coffee tomorrow, or, perhaps I should say, later today? Oh, this is Cas, by the way. In case you didn’t know. :)

Dean saves the number and then returns to the message to reply, a grin creeping onto his face before he even realizes it.

Dean: Of course, dude. Coffee sounds great. Around 1pm?

Cas: Perfect. Do you know the Blue Java Café on Marion and Elm? It’s across from the park and one of my favorite places.

Dean: Sounds good. Can’t wait to talk to you sober, ya lush… (lol j/k hah) 

Cas sends him a sticking-tongue-out emoji as a response and Dean chuckles as he locks up his car. He has a nice, happy feeling in his heart as he thinks of Cas. Like maybe this is something special. Or maybe it’s just that it could be and has the potential to be. He knows he told Cas friends first, but Dean’s willing to see where it…where they, can go.

#suptober23 #destiel #prompt:starlight #dean and cas #meet-cute #my writing #biting nails here #like posting stuff is scary #wth #I am not used this anymore #castiel #dean winchester

[starsreminisce]

Your post got me thinking with your latest post. It’s one of the reasons why I really don’t ship Azriel and Elain. There isn’t anything redeemable about how he treats the women he’s into. I think there is a very similar attraction to Mor that we’ve seen with him even though we didn’t get his POV on that one. It’s lust, it feels superficial. And it’s kind of a weird parallel that Cassian got with Mor, not Azriel, and now Cassian got a second sister, not Azriel. To me this entire thing reeks of jealousy and desire to be like his brothers. I don’t want to demonise Azriel, I really like him as a character and who can’t relate to this feeling of not being enough when your brothers are doing so much better? But the problem with Azriel is that this type of attraction reads as kind of a strange hyperfixation, it’s not really about the girl he’s selected, it’s more so about the feeling of wanting to belong. With Elain, I feel like that would simply scratch that itch. Of course, she is beautiful and she is attractive, but that’s all Azriel thinks about plus his desire to be like his brothers. It’s not really about Elain, it’s about him. I think that’s why Lucien and the smell of their bond triggers him so much. @acourtofthought pointed out that other couples’ bonds could be smelled too and I think in this case Azriel is lashing out at Lucien for taking the third sister. It’s really not about who Elain is as a person or who Lucien is as a person. Azriel said he could easily defeat Lucien or whatever, but that also didn’t consider Elain. We don’t know how she’d take it if her mate was murdered, even if they weren’t close.

Another thing about Azriel is that he’s quite competitive (look at the snowball fight lol). The fact that he doesn’t have a mate might weigh on him because he’s the only one, he’s missing out on something his brothers have etc.

And I think that’s kind of the reason why Gwyn would be perfect for Azriel. It’s a natural attraction that’s not filtered through all this brother/sister bs that puts him in this competitive state. With Elain I feel like the objective of his desire is to become more like his brothers. Elain is a vessel for that. Whereas with Gwyn he could simply develop a friendship (already happening), Gwyn is removed form the inner circle just enough that she’s still around him but not to a degree where he can measure her up against big standards that he placed on himself for no reason.

"Women are only there for the males" is an argument the antis like to swing towards Eluciens, and I beg to differ, especially when they never talk about what Azriel can offer Elain. Instead, they focus on the rough life Azriel had and the current struggles of inadequacy he feels, as though Elain is a bandaid to help him fix that.

To me, this suggests they haven't absorbed any of SJM’s books.

Most E/riel theories are Elucien or Gwynriel reskins, morphing Azriel or Elain to be Lucien or Gwyn, and that's not the message SJM puts out.

Nesta never truly lost that snarky side of her, and Cassian loves her for that. She may have felt she wasn’t enough for Cassian, but not once did she feel like she needed to change her personality to suit him. She just evolved because that’s what healed people do. Feyre understood the lengths Rhys went to protect his court, even if it meant playing a villain.

Azriel had two years of knowing, talking, and spending time with Elain, and he still feels ashamed to touch her. Am I supposed to think it’s romantic that he feels that way about her? Am I supposed to think that it’s romantic that Azriel feels like he can’t be his true self around Elain? All this time, Lucien has been gone, and we know that he has not been pressuring her - Feyre tells us as much.

But we do have two lines from ACOSF that tell us how each male views Elain, and since I am a romance reader, I’d rather pick the one who looks at Elain with longing than a charged look.

The thing I do like about Gwynriel is that Cassian and Nesta started to observe a change in his behavior around her. He smiles more. His shadows are more playful. He doesn’t hide his amusement, and most of all, he notices her. He does so much for her without her prompting that now I’m convinced the reason why he does challenge her in the second half is that he knows she’s competitive and loves the scowl she’ll give him.

The only reason why I think Azriel gravitated towards Elain is that she’s nice to him, but it's up to him to decide that he’s worthy of it, not for Elain to make him feel like he should. And I see that he doesn’t. From what I’ve read with his feelings towards Mor, he most likely will never. Nesta put herself in a position where she can feel like she’s worthy of Cassian. Cassian did not do this for her. He helped her, like Elain could have helped Azriel, but we don’t know if Azriel is willing.

There is so much Azriel offers Gwyn that he does not give Elain, and that began when he was in disbelief that the female he rescued in Sangravah is the same female who is standing in front of the ribbon to cut it.

Even when he saw the near-comatose state of Elain, when he knew she managed to get to Hybern, we didn't get any thought on his admiration for that.

Azriel waited longer for a bond to snap with Mor than Rhys waited for a mate. Cassian was mated before Azriel, and he didn’t want that life until Rhys had Feyre. SJM specifically used envy to describe Azriel. There’s a legit reason for that.

Just as much as there is a compelling reason why Elain would subject herself to being drawn to Lucien for two years, given what we know about mating bonds post-snap. It’s deeper than "she’s not interested" and even more insulting to her intelligence, "maybe she doesn’t know how" or "no one has ever told her."

But I guess I can't expect much from a group of shippers who believe that Elain is the savior to all of Azriel’s self-esteem issues, especially when they have yet to provide a quote where another character observes Azriel looking at Elain with anything other than a charged look.

#elucien #elain x lucien #pro elucien #antie/riel #antielriel #gwynriel #pro gwynriel #azriel x gwyn #gwyn x azriel

[lighthaunting]

Lay Wolfsbane in my Palm [Demon!DoA x GN!Reader] [Ch. 2]

[Chapter 1] [Ao3 Version]

Content Warnings: Minor blood, descriptions of panic attacks

There’s a gnawing pain throughout your skull, and the sharp words bordering on yelling in the background certainly didn’t help. The light above you feels like it’s searing through your eyelids.

“They could have a damn concussion, for all we know!”

“I could solve this easily then, yes? It would be an accident.”

“No! The higher ups would have our heads if they found out you managed to k—”

“Perhaps you should mind your tongue,” a third, monotone voice interrupts. “We have a listener, after all.”

The argument abruptly stops; their voices sounded unfamiliar. You can feel eyes burning into you, but you can’t be bothered to care over the pain. The back of your head feels sticky, no doubt with blood. Just how hard did you hit your head? You can’t recall much of what happened, just speaking to Dazai. Afterward, you messed around with that stupid ritual book—

The ritual. The fire and laughter. The ritual working—

You sit up abruptly, body screaming in protest at the harsh movement, but that wasn’t important, now. It takes a second for your vision to unblur. You wonder if you hit your head hard enough to cause serious damage, because the blurry silhouettes of horns and wings surely couldn’t be possible. As your vision clears, you open your mouth to yell, scream, anything— only to snap it back shut over the leer the dark-haired one was giving you, no doubt a warning. A chill runs along your spine.

His skin was pale, a jarring contrast to the bat-like wings tucked behind him, paired with a thin tail. A pair of ram horns elegantly curled around his head. His eyes are a brilliant shade of purple, but look dull nonetheless. He looks exhausted, or maybe just sick, with sunken in eyes and dark marks under his eyelids. He’s pretty, although it’s in a vaguely terrifying way. Out of the trio, he looks undeniably the most intimidating, maybe not physically, but it felt like he was looking through you.

The other man—demon, stood next to him, is the strangest of the group. His horns stick upright, slightly curving inwards. He’s wearing an eye patch that was largely hidden by his long, white hair, and the other pale eye of his had a scar running up the side of his face. He had no wings, unlike the other two, but you can still see a spade-shaped tail swaying behind him enthusiastically. He’s staring curiously at you, as though he couldn’t decide on something.

The last one is, quite literally, ethereal looking. He has a pair of pale, feathered wings folded close to his body. He looked angelic, although the pair of horns that also stuck out from his head spoke otherwise, which were noticeably shorter than the horns of the other two. He has a tail, as well, though his seemed to have some sort of plume at the end instead of anything sharp. His eyes are a calm, stormy gray, despite his brows pinched together in stress. His hair is choppy, long enough to reach his hip, and two-toned; one half white, the other a muted purple.

They’re all a bit pretty in a peculiar way, which you shouldn’t note given your current situation, but the thought invites itself into your mind nonetheless.

“Ah! So our dearest summoner finally awakens!” The one with the braid exclaims with a light accent, taking a step forwards to bow performatively. “Nikolai Gogol, at your service!”

“Knock it off with the theatrics, would you?” The one with two-toned hair scoffs. His gaze turns to you, brows furrowing into a worried look. “Hey—uh—are you alright? You hit your head on the counter pretty hard …”

It takes a moment for you to find your voice again. “Am I in hell or something …?”

He gawks at you openly, shooting a brief look at Nikolai, who looked like he wanted to laugh. “Well—no.”

“I concussed myself hard enough to begin hallucinating, then,” you wince, tentatively touching a hand to the back of your head. Red stains your fingertips as you pull your hand back, but frankly you’re too baffled by the rest of the situation to care.

“You’re not hallucinating, this is real—I’m Sigma. It’s probably best we get you to a hospital, somehow, or clean the wound at the very least.”

“No need, we can take care of it here,” the dark-haired one finally spoke up. Like Nikolai, he had a similar accent, though much thicker. He moves towards you, but seeing you flinch back, he pauses where he stands, although he looks disdained.

“I’m not fucking going anywhere with you until I figure out what’s going on.”

“Yet, you already know exactly what’s going on. Do you not?”

“Don’t patronize me,” you spat.

“You, the summoner, completed the ritual, and it worked. Next, we will form a pact—”

“I thought it was for one demon, not three!”

He looks irritated at the interruption. “You gave three offerings, not one, as you were supposed to. As a result of your idiocy, you’ve invited three of us into your home.” Nikolai is standing behind him, looking impatient and resorting to looking around the apartment curiously, while Sigma looks tense, wings curled around himself as his gaze flicks between the two of you.

“Whatever, fine. I didn’t think this stupid circle would actually summon anything, I didn’t want to form a pact so we can just call it off. Can you just—get out of my house already?”

Nikolai interrupts, giving you a fanged grin. “That’s the thing, summoner! We can’t just ‘call it off’, it’s already started!”

You don’t bother responding, just glaring at the demon and gesturing for him to elaborate. The warning from the book that had been missing text suddenly made more sense, now. You should be more afraid, right now. Maybe you were still a bit disoriented by the head injury, but you were more annoyed than anything. Surely, this couldn’t get any worse.

“When you start the ritual, you give your object. Something important to you,” he moves to the pile in the ritual, plucking the bracelet out. It is remarkably unharmed, if not covered in a bit of soot, despite the three offerings you set out having caught aflame (you’ll mourn the loss of your textbook later, for now, it is the least of your concerns). “Through this object, a bond forms that tethers us to your soul! You do have one still, by the way!”

“For now,” the dark-haired one, still yet to introduce himself, chimes in with a cold smile. “That tether will remain either until you complete the pact—” his pupils narrow in a serpentine manner, “or you die before you can complete it.”

You shudder, moving backwards from where you sit on the floor. “So, what, then? I form a deal with you all, and I have to exchange my soul in turn?”

Sigma grimaces. “We are … unsure on whether or not you can form a pact with all three of us or not. Deals traditionally involve the exchange of the soul for a favor, yes.”

You shakily reach a hand out to Nikolai and he gets the memo, dropping the bracelet into your palm with a cheshire grin. You tie it snugly back around your wrist, spinning it around with tremoring hands. “Unsure? I can’t be the only one who screwed this up, how can you be unsure?”

“About that …” Sigma trails off, passing an unsure look to the other two.

“The only people who’ve ever formed pacts with multiple demons ended up dying before the pacts could finish!” Nikolai finishes, still smiling down at you.

You suck in a deep breath, blood pounding in your ears as the room goes silent. Sigma’s look is similar to pity, but the other two don’t seem to care. Getting up on shaky legs, knees knocking together, you take the old book, silently excusing yourself and ignoring the pain blossoming in your head and vision wavering. You feel their eyes on you, it crawls along your spine.

The bathroom door clicks as you lock it. Ignoring the hushed words from the other side of the door, you flip through the book desperately, once, then again, and a third time, to no avail. There’s no mention of summoning multiple demons, or of ending a pact when it's been started. You’re sure, now, that that’s what the book warned you of, yet you ignored it anyways. The dark-haired demon had been right, your own idiocy had landed you in this predicament. You scream in frustration, hurling the book through the bathroom mirror, struggling to calm your breathing as you sink down to the floor, nails gripping into your sleeves. The floor tiles are different than you remember. You count them nonetheless. The quiet murmurs stop, your shuddering breaths don’t.

You’re unsure how much time passes until there’s a gentle knock on the door. It opens with another click and a gentle creek. You don’t remember unlocking it, or standing, for that matter. You’d count the floor tiles again if there wasn’t an apparent equivalent to the grim reaper in front of you.

Sigma looks concerned. If he notices your faint look, he doesn’t comment on it. “I apologize for interrupting—we should probably clean that wound, though, you hit the counter pretty hard.”

“I’ll do it myself,” you grab a first aid kit from the cabinet, shutting it louder than you should have, and brush past him, stepping over the glass scattered all over your bathroom floor. You can hear his heels click against the floor as he trails behind you.

While you’re scrubbing the dried blood from your scalp, head dipped into the sink and probably looking awfully stupid in front of your unwanted guests, the dark-haired demon invites himself to further discussion. “You have yet to say what you’d like from this pact. Surely you have something in mind.” It was blatant that, of the trio, he was the least keen on sticking around.

“I don’t even know your name, jackass,” you say with a grimace as you rinse a particularly tender part of the injury. At the very least, the sting of pain keeps you grounded.

“Fyodor Dostoevsky,” he answers, reluctantly. His tone wavers like his patience is wearing thin, and you wonder if he’ll reach into the sink to throttle you with the way you’re speaking to him.

You realize, then, that Sigma had never given you a last name, but can’t care enough to pry. Blindly grabbing for a towel (someone eventually hands you one, you don’t know who, but you thank them instinctively, anyway), you dry off and finally introduce yourself unenthusiastically. The bloodied towel feels ice-cold in your fingers.

“There’s nothing I want. Nothing worth dying, at least.” The towel is carelessly discarded on the counter.

“Every human has some selfish desire, we just have to exploit it,” Fyodor sneers. “Every demon has some sort of specialty, that’s what the projections in the circle are for.” He reaches a hand out towards you, trying to beckon you closer. “I can offer power, sometimes intelligence, if the situation calls for it.”

You take a step away from him, shaking your head adamantly. You swear you see his eye twitch at the refusal.

“I offer revenge!” Nikolai invites himself over, leaning close to you and throwing all sense of personal space out the window. “Whether it’s fair or not. I can offer more than that, obviously, but that’s the main thing people want from me. If you want someone to ‘disappear’, I’m your devil.”

“I think I’m good,” you cringe.

“I’m sure you’ll change your mind,” his cheshire grin widens, and you’re not entirely sure what he’s trying to imply.

“My specialty is with greed,” Sigma states after briefly scoffing at Nikolai. “I can bring riches, if that’s what you want.”

You briefly consider Sigma’s offer, thinking about your student loans. You bite back the impulse. “I’m not making a pact with any of you.”

You think Fyodor’s going to smite you on the spot with the icy glare he’s giving you, and even Sigma had a thinly veiled look of annoyance on his face.

Nikolai doesn’t seem to care much, rather stepping too close for comfort to sling an arm around your shoulder despite your protests. “Guess you’re going to be stuck with us haunting you until you finally choose your fate, then!”

Sigma sighs, tapping a heel against the floor impatiently. “I suppose we will be staying with you until one of us forms a deal with you, then.”

“Absolutely not! You can stay somewhere else.”

“We can’t,” Sigma frowns. “Because of our tether to your soul from the summoning, it’s not safe for either parties to be separated for extended periods of time.”

“You’re kidding.”

“I wish I was.”

“I can’t afford to house three of you, let alone one! I’m already struggling to keep up with renting alone.”

Fyodor and Nikolai both immediately turn their gaze to Sigma. He looks at them, exasperated, and sighs. “I can deal with that. I’ve got the money.” He slips something from his coat, dropping it onto the counter.

You gawk openly. “Is that fucking gold? Did you just pay rent in gold?”

“It’s not like we use human currency in hell.”

“You– No, you know what? Fuck the tether, get out of my apartment,” you snap, picking up the gold and shoving it back in his direction. “I seriously don’t have time for this right now, I don’t need your gold, I don’t need a deal, just get out!”

“I’d advise against it, dearest summoner,” Fyodor quotes almost mockingly. “If we’re away too long, you’ll risk the tether breaking—” he leans closer, eyes holding that same hollowed out gaze as he glowered at you. “Have you ever wondered what the sensation would be like? To have your soul ripped from your body? I can promise you it’s much more agonizing than I can put into words.”

The room feels colder than it’d been before. You gather your courage. “I don’t trust you in my home.”

Nikolai sneers, tilting his head and snapping out of his faux cheerful persona. “You’d send three demons loose into the world, then? There’s no telling what a devil can do out there.” The threat that rolled off his tongue so smoothly didn’t go unnoticed.

You take a step back, finally relenting and breaking your eye contact with the demon. The corners of his mouth twitch upwards like he’s pleased with the gesture.

“Fine. I’m still not making a deal, though. I’ll find another way to break this off.”

“How full of hope you are,” Fyodor spat. “I would’ve loved to have wrapped this up quickly.”

“Ah, no need to be so negative, Dostoy! Now we have an entire world to explore in the mean time.”

Sigma rolls his eyes, crossing his arms. “At least one of us is thrilled.”

“Not quite, but someone doesn’t want me to take care of it my way.” Nikolai’s smile widens as he turns his sight to you again. “Now, if you’d be so kind to introduce yourself as our contractor.”

The look in his eye makes your hair stand on end, and its apparent just how terribly you’ve screwed up today as he reaches a gloved hand out with a fanged grin. It widens once you spit your name out and he parrots it.

“Oh, I can’t wait to see what this brings.

#bsd #bungou stray dogs #sigma bsd #bsd x reader #fyodor bsd #nikolai bsd #decay of angels #fyodor x reader #nikolai x reader #sigma x reader #x reader #reader insert

[ae-neon]

Attempting to sum up my feelings and thoughts on Deadhouse Gates

4.5/5

Non-Spoilers.

What a sequel. I thought Gardens of the Moon was probably the best thing I'd ever read but somehow Deadhouse Gates was better?? Like objectively speaking the writing leveled up but also the feel of the novel was more cohesive too.

I never quite understood what people meant when they said "the setting was its own character" but from Hissar to Raraku, Seven Cities feels so real and is ever relevant to the story. It colours the pages and actions and plot in its own hue. And Erikson's layers of history and culture add a visceral and powerful weight that deepens the stories set there.

I honestly don't think I can say I read this book. I experienced it, and what an experience it was. As the fans say, I have walked the Chain of Dogs.

Once again, there is no shortage of wonder (from a ghost ship operated by the dead to a city of people turned to stone) the fantasy is as high as ever - but Erikson forced me, again and again, down to earth with the best parts of this story being the study of humanity.

Any book this grim and especially in the current political climate could come off as unpleasant or flimsy if not downright distasteful, but Erikson has left me in awe, heartbroken and shaking my head at futility but somehow never feeling hopeless. He is not trying to be dark for the sake of being dark. He is showing you humanity in all its shades.

It is not lightly that I say this book shows the actual nuance of conflict, the only way it can be: through the individual human lens. It confronts these characters with their own bias, with hypocrisy, with betrayal, with being wrong and with the humanity of their enemies and the futility of their actions.

And the characters?? Good lord, I don't understand how Erikson can have such huge but distinct characters. Even the animals have personality! Moby, Apt, the Ghral horse and of course the Wickan dogs! Felisin, Coltaine and Icarium were the standouts for me though it would be unfair not to give Erikson props for the insanity that is Iskaral Pust.

Once again, my biggest gripe boil to Erikson not being good at developing romance.

All in all, Deadhouse Gates - from it's insane prologue to the very end is a once in a lifetime experience and even if I never picked up another Malazan book (literally reading MoI rn) I would still be happy I got this far. If GoTM were not needed for context and a general understanding of Erikson's style, I would recommend Deadhouse Gates even to those who have no interest in Malazan.

Spoilers

Coltaine, Kulp and Lorn. Erikson has me 3 for 3 on killing my favourite characters. At least my Coastal Marines seem to be fine.

How so many can read this book and hate Felisin has me disappointed but not surprised. Not only was she completely valid in her feelings, but she was also hilarious in her jabs. It's so sad that one of the first memories transmitted to Felisin from Sha'ik is the implied sexual assualt at the hands of the man who raised her. And there's something so bittersweet about Sha'ik Reborn giving the name Felisin to her daughter in hopes that the girl she was and the girl she has will fair better than Felisin Paran did.

The Chain of Dogs will stay with me always. As a person who lives in the Global South/Third World and was born only 3 years into my country's independence, fear of civil unrest, war and general collapse of law and order have been very real fears in my life. I tend to stray away from documentaries and movies centered around these topics because of the anxiety it creates in me.

But Erikson never took things too far, he was blunt and honest in his portrayals - though I will say I wish we had seen more of Seven Cities natives who objected to violence and sexual assault especially as tools of war. I know that these things often happen but the same is true of objection, of restraint, of a want to see justice play out in a more lawful way.

Again, I am saying this as someone who was born into a newly independent country, so much of the immediate aftermath was trials in which families got lawful justice and acknowledgement of the wrong done to them and their loved ones under the former regime.

I am glad we got the nuance of Duiker and Kalam being natives who align more with the Empire - their reasoning is well done, nuanced and even more amazing when, in Kalam's case, he must face the possibility of viewing the Empire in a gold haze or rose-tinted glasses.

On the topic of Kalam, I will be honest and say my like of Kalam and Ben as a duo might have skewed my initial reading of Kalam and Minala's interactions, but I have never and will never be the type of person who villainizes or dislikes a female character for "coming in between" the relationship of two male characters.

I want to make it clear that I don't dislike Minala at all. However, Erikson has failed, once again, to make me believe in this romance. I don't buy Minala leaving her sister in the middle of life-changing rebellion to follow a man she barely communicated and connected with. Especially so soon after escaping her abusive husband's grasp which she only endured because it benefitted her sister.

Pearl had better chemistry with Lostara, hell, he had better chemistry with Kalam as Salk Elan than Kalam and Minala had. It would have been more believable to have Kalam stay and raise Shadowthrone's child army as a sort of repayment to Apt and Panek.

Speaking of, I always knew Kellanved/Shadowthrone was a bit...off...just from the stories he's heard but it's another thing entire to see Cotillion have doubts. VERY INTERESTING.

The Wickans piqued my interest from the moment they stopped the Red Blades at the docks but Coltaine and Bult speaking up in favour of Laseen had me instantly on their side as I never appreciated the nostalgic, boys club view that so many of our veterans had of the Laseen v Kellanved story. I always believed she would at least be fleshed out. And when Erikson had Chalice dash Crokus' idealised dreams and Murillio see the hollowness in his victory and the humanity in Simtal at the end of GotM, I knew he wasn't going to be the type of author to give us hollow, one note female characters.

Fid, Crokus and Apsalar - my darling family, also verrrry interesting that Fiddler returned to Seven Cities instead of Genabackis

Seeing as the title of the next book is Memories of Ice, I was immediately entrigued by the glimpses of Jaghut and Imass history we got. I LOVED Lorn and Tool in GotM so getting more on the T'lan Imass but especially on otataral was such a treat.

I was, in some ways, mentally prepared for Coltaine to die as part of him being this larger-than-life figure and inevitable tragic hero BUT I will never forgive Erikson for Kulp WHYYY

I cried through Mappo's confession to Icarium but I was already bawling at Duiker leaving the remains of the 7th behind to see the refugees to Aren. I took a ten minute break from reading after the gates closed, thinking that was the end of it. But Erikson had more in store for me and I was almost as wrecked by grief as Nil and Nether at end of chapter 21 and I set the book down for a day and half, once again foolishly thinking that was the end.

Malazan fans say "you walked the Chain of Dogs" but, tbh, it dog-walked me, I was wrecked.

PS

I love how everyone in the book and even me in this rambling review, completely brush past Heboric pulling Fener onto the mortal plain. I found otataral interesting just from Lorn's sword but this has brought me a million questions

#malazan #deadhouse gates #malazan book of the fallen

[someonelookingpraediti]

Currently Reading...

The Tarot Sequence - K.D. Edwards

The Last Sun

These have been cropping up on my radar for a while, and they looked like a quick, easy read, which is what I wanted. Well, they're weren't that quick, but they were easy.

When I first started this book, it seemed like exactly the kind of "teen dross" my friend always accuses me of reading. The main character is the most specialist boy who ever did live, he lives in the magical city of Atlantis, and he has glowing orange eyes, and super duper magic powers, and his bodyguard is his bestest friend ever. Almost immediately, I was like... this is not for me.

But then! Then the plot kicked in! It got good, and fast.

I'm pretty sure I guessed who the big bad of the trilogy is like, a couple of chapters in, but I'm super hoping I'm totally wrong, because I'd like to be completely surprised by the ending! I'm also guessing (hoping, praying,) that Max and Quinn get together, because they'd be the cutest couple ever!

The Hanged Man

I think this is going to be one of those series I need to buy physical copies of! I've already ordered a special edition of the first in the spin-off series, but the only editions I can find of the original trilogy are paperback. The covers look cool, though, so I might just get the paperbacks.

This one was absolutely as good as the first - it's incredible how the big climactic finale starts like, halfway through the book, and somehow doesn't lose pace, it just continues to build and build, despite being so long! This is an author who can keep you gripped!

I'm absolutely smitten with Max; and I am now just waiting for the revelation that Brand was involved (unwittingly, unknowingly) in the attack on the Sun Court/Rune, which is definitely coming.

The Hourglass Throne

I start the third book in my trash fantasy trilogy... and they're dealing with Covid. Seriously? I read fantasy specifically to escape the real world! It's supposed to be totally believable that the humans discovered Atlantis sixty years ago and fought a massive world-changing war against them, and now Atlantis is in Nantucket. But it would just be too unrealistic if they just didn't mention the pandemic in this unspecified timeline? His boyfriend has burgundy eyes and a metal prosthetic hand with magic powers, but sure, two metres apart. I just want his problems to be like, fantasy problems, not my problems.

Anyway.

So, it did not end the way I thought it would. In fact... it didn't really end at all. It felt like the book had finished, but not the series. He's still got to get the Tower back. He's still got to fulfil his HUGE new prophecy we've just found out about. He still has six of his nine attackers to discover, hunt down, and brutally murder. Is this... not a trilogy? Maybe there are going to be more books?

I was totally wrong about the person who organised the attack on him/his court. From the very first time he was mentioned, I was convinced that Lord Tower had actually orchestrated it all, and was playing the biggest double cross of all time. And then it turns out to be... well... no, I'm not sure? Was it meant to be Lady Time? Or do we still not know? There has got to be more books, because this really didn't explain anything.

My other guess from the first book was that Max and Quinn would get together. It hasn't happened, but the spin-off series is based around them, I believe, so there's time. I'm also so heartbroken that Quinn lost his powers, and I'm hoping he gets them back in the spin-off. Quinn is, easily, hands down, no question, the best character of the series, I absolutely adore him. I cannot, cannot wait to read his book!

Postscript.

Holy shit, I just looked it up and this isn't even nearly a trilogy! There are NINE books planned for the series, what the actual fuck. I thought I was going into a completed series! I can't believe I'm going to have to wait, what? six? ten? years for the series to be finished?! This will not do, I'm obsessed!

#currently reading #spoilers #the tarot sequence #k d edwards #the last sun #the hanged man #the hourglass throne

[accidentalmistress]

Accidental Mistress - Library Magic (NSFW)

It's that time again! Today's release is a spicy one, and possibly one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy.

(For more Accidental Mistress content, check out the Master Post.)

Please do not reblog to non kink blogs, minors DNI.

Title: Library Magic

Word Count: 3,300

Content and Warnings: snz (male), NSFW

In which Oraion accompanies his Mistress Noelle to study dusty, old arcane tomes at a library, with predictable results.

----------------------------

The Tigate Librarium had stood in the central square of Tigate City for so long, no one was certain anymore if the Librarium was named for the City, or the City for the Librarium. What was certain, however, was that the current Head Librarian, Ms Ogtrop, was both the most efficient and organized Head the Librarium had ever employed, and also its most terrifying.

At six foot three, it was uncommon, though not entirely unheard of, for Demon Lord Oraion Leroux to meet those of his height or slightly taller. Encountering a mortal he needed to crane his neck to look at, though, was about as common as convincing a lindwyrm to play fetch, so the fact that he needed to tilt his head a fair degree to make eye contact with the Head Librarian was a novel, if somewhat unnerving, experience. The green cast of her skin and short tusks jutting from her lower lip only added to the singularity of the encounter. A full-blooded orc was a rare sight these days.

“Those books are on the second floor, Section B, fifth row, third bookcase, shelves four through seven. All books in that Section are restricted, and as such can neither be checked out nor leave the Librarium. Is that clear?”

“As crystal, ma’am.”

“Good. And if you think for a moment that you could possibly get away with smuggling any volumes out… Don’t. I will know. I always know.”

Oraion did his best to appear as a physical manifestation of conciliation. “Wouldn’t dream of it, ma’am.”

“Good.” The Librarian paused and took a moment to look Oraion up and down with her golden eyes. “My shift ends at eight o’clock, by the way.”

This, at least, was more familiar territory. Throughout his long life, Oraion had turned down countless hopefuls, though this time he had to admit he was tempted. The thighs that peeked out below the hem of Ogtrop’s skirt—the cut of which was painfully inadequate at fulfilling any sort of intended modesty on her towering frame—looked like they’d crack a watermelon like a walnut. A night with her promised to leave you with bruises and bite marks—and you’d thank her for the privilege. Instead Oraion inclined his head with grace.

“You flatter me, madam, but I am afraid I must decline. I am already spoken for.”

“Hm. Pity. However, your integrity is laudable. Well then, please note that eight o’clock is also when the Librarium closes, so you would do well to conclude your business before then.”

“Of course. Thank you so much for your help.”

“Yes, yes. Now, if you will excuse me, I have business to attend to.”

The imposing Librarian turned on her heel and marched off, her heavy footfalls reverberating through the floor with a rhythmic beat. Oraion’s gaze lingered just a moment on the way her full hips moved, then he returned to where his Mistress, Noelle Violette, waited by the entrance, wringing the end of her scarf.

“Were you able to find anything out?”

“I was indeed. The Head Librarian gave me the location of the arcane tomes you’re looking for—come, I’ll show you where they are.”

He guided Noelle to where Ms Ogtrop had indicated, passing along the rules for the handling of restricted books as they went.

“They can't be checked out? I suppose that makes sense, but… Augh, that means I'll only have a few hours to study them! I was hoping to take them back to the inn with us tonight and then bring them back before we leave to go home tomorrow…”

Oraion chuckled. “And did this plan of yours involve any sleep?”

A light blush of pink came to Noelle’s fair cheeks. “Well, some I’m sure, but this is a rare opportunity! I could always catch up on sleep later. Besides, that won’t matter if I can’t check them out. I’ll just have to use the time I do have wisely.”

Row after row of shelves were stuffed with a multitude of tomes. The air was laced with the scent of old paper and leather. Once they located the desired shelves, Noelle browsed through the volumes, pointing out a number of titles with great interest and enthusiasm.

“Oh! Look at this! They have a first edition copy of Nolan Kingston’s The Grimoire of Stars! And these scrolls—they’re from Tsothatan’s Noth-Yngath Esoterica! Just look at all of these: Artum Codex, Librum of Ninai, The Book of Far Realms— Oh my goodness, they have a copy of Tome of the Watcher! After it was published, the author Soth Sholei disappeared, and no one ever found out what happened to them!”

As she babbled excitedly about the texts, she handed book after book to Oraion until he was carrying a sizable, and somewhat heavy, stack. He couldn’t help but notice a thin layer of dust on most of them. Just the thought of it made his nose twitch. A smirk tugged his lips: perhaps this little study session wouldn’t be as boring as he’d feared.

“Mistress, I think perhaps this is enough to get started, at least. In fact, I’m not convinced you’ll be able to get through all of these before the Librarium closes.”

Noelle gave a little start, like she was waking up from a dream. “Oh! You’re right, I-I’m so sorry. Let’s find somewhere to sit down.”

Nearby were long, oaken tables surrounded by a large number of stout chairs with plush seats, all of which were presently vacant. The entire section of the Librarium they were in appeared quite deserted. Oraion carefully placed the stack of books on the table and took a seat next to Noelle, pulling his chair against hers. There were no arm rests, so they were close enough to touch, especially if Oraion leaned in.

“I hope you don’t mind if I read a bit over your shoulder? There might be something I can help with, after all.”

“Oh, um, a-all right.”

He ducked his head so his lips were close to her ear and dropped his voice.

“Always nice to have one’s nose in a good book.” He brushed the tip of his nose against the outer edge of her ear for emphasis. He felt a shiver run through her.

“Oraion, I-I don’t think now is the time…”

“Oh, of course, Mistress. My apologies. I wouldn’t want to disrupt your studies. Shall we begin?”

He took the tome from the top of the stack and placed it on the table in front of them.

“The Book of Sorcery. A fairly straightforward title.”

He flipped open the dusty manuscript with a flourish and probably a bit more force than was strictly necessary. In the light of the arcane reading lamps that hovered above the table, little globes of light encased within intricate brass cages, he caught a shimmer of swirling dust particles. Things were bound to get interesting now.

“So, Mistress, what would you like to review?”

“Hm, let me check the table of contents.”

As his Mistress pored over the book’s pages, Oraion felt a feathery flutter ripple through his sinuses, making his nose scrunch slightly. He said nothing, of course, but kept an eye on Noelle’s reaction. She hadn’t noticed yet, so he ran a finger beneath his septum and drew in a quick, sharp sniffle. Noelle’s leg against his own went tense for a second—she was definitely paying attention now. Oraion tried not to let his satisfaction show on his countenance.

“Um, m-maybe this section on conjuration? I would really, uh, like to know more about how you’re able to conjure things, you know, so easily.”

“Ah, you mean like this?” With a grin he held up his left hand and snapped his fingers, summoning his handkerchief. After all, he was going to need it shortly.

“Y-yes, like that.” Oraion noticed that Noelle’s gaze flicked from the cloth in his hand to his face, and back. He had a feeling he knew exactly what she was looking for in his face. As that feathery feeling intensified, he was certain his nose would be flushing pink soon, if it hadn’t started already.

“Well, the truth is -snf- that I don’t actually, ah, c-conjure anything. -sniff- I merely summoned it. I—” It was growing difficult to keep his breathing steady, and his eyes were beginning to water as his eyelids fluttered. Still, he could quite clearly see the pretty blush forming beneath Noelle’s freckles on her cheeks, along with the blossoming arousal he sensed within her. She squirmed in her seat.

“O-Oraion…”

“Oh dear, h-how terribly inconvenient. -sndf- These old b-books: they muh-must be du- heh- dusty…”

Below the table, he ran his right hand up her leg, squeezing her thigh while at the same time he pressed the handkerchief to his nose.

“ih-hiih- … hiihh! hiiHH’ISSHIUU!”

Through his hand on her leg he could feel the little jolt of pleasure and excitement she felt. He didn’t often get the chance to tease her in public like this. It made her titillation all the sweeter, the tinge of embarrassment she felt. She might not openly admit it, might even outright deny it or grow annoyed with him, but she could not hide from him that it got her even hotter.

“Oraion! S-stop that!”

“Y-you know I can’t heh-help it, Mistress. It’s the- the- eh-heh-heh! mmnh- the dust- HEHHSHIU!”

Noelle looked around nervously.

“B-but, you’re being loud! We’re in a library!”

He leaned in and nuzzled her earlobe, even as he felt another buzzing prickle building.

“Afraid we might gehehht in t-trouble? -snnff- hehh-hehhehh!”

“Y-yes!”

Oh, but she tasted so sweet like this. Gods, he would fuck her right here on the table if she wanted, library rules and propriety be damned. She would never go for that, of course, but that didn’t stop him from imagining it. Just how wound up could he get her, he wondered? He attempted the herculean task of holding back the itch that burned in his sinuses.

“B-but Mistress, you know heh-HEH! nngh- h-how teh-terribly ah-haahhllergic I am to du-dust. I ca-can’t hehhehhelp how sne- sne- sneezy it meh-makes me…”

He kept his nose touching her ear as his nares flared, letting her feel every twitch. As he did so, he slid his hand further up her thigh, pressing his fingers between her legs. He couldn’t last much longer, and if he had anything to say about it, neither would she.

“Th-the m-more I heh-heh! hold bahaahck, the w-worse it g-gets!” He gave a particularly wet sniffle right next to her ear. “Oh no- I-I’m guh- gonna- ehh-heh! M-Mistress, I n-need to sneeze!”

Certain he was about to incur the wrath of Ms Ogtrop, Oraion could not stop his chest from heaving as his nose crinkled.

“hiihhhIIHHhhh!”

With a little sound of desperation Noelle leapt up and grabbed his head, shoving his face directly into her chest and holding him there by hugging him with both arms. The fabric of her blouse pressed against his face, with his nose squeezed directly between her soft breasts. His hands found her hips, and he grabbed hold as the tickle overtook him.

“hhhchhfff! hh-isshhh! nnn… hhih- hii-hhssshhiuh! aeshhiu! … eh! … heh! … hehh-CHSSHT! CHSSHT! HISSHHHTT!”

What would have normally been a powerful and vocal fit was instead muffled and subdued as Noelle wrestled it into submission with the luscious mounds of her chest. Once Oraion’s sneezing subsided, she relented and loosened her death grip on his head, allowing him to at last come up for air. He looked up at her standing over him as he sat back, sniffling wetly. Her entire face was flushed a lovely bright scarlet—a color he was perhaps a bit partial to. His gaze dropped back to her blouse, where he found he’d made a rather wet spot between her breasts. He summoned an apologetic look as his gaze rose back to meet hers.

“I’m sorry, Mistress, but I… I couldn’t help it.”

To be fair, the books truly were dusty. It would have gotten to him at some point anyhow, so why not help it along and get it over with? Still, Oraion supposed he had earned the scolding he was no doubt about to receive.

It took him rather by surprise, then, when Noelle instead grabbed his chin and forced her tongue into his mouth. He was quick to adapt, of course, sucking on her tongue and chasing it with his own when she pulled it back. His fingers dug into her hips, pulling her towards him until she was straddling his lap. She draped her arms over his shoulders and around his neck as she continued to kiss him hungrily, sucking on and biting his lips and tongue. The lust that burned within her intoxicated him and stoked his Hunger.

He supported her back with one hand while the other loosened the catch of her leather leggings and slipped inside. She was warm and wet and waiting for his touch, and she moaned into his mouth as he pushed two fingers inside her. The feel of her became his entirety: the way she enfolded his fingers, the slick sweetness of her tongue in his mouth, the building pleasure that flowed into him more and more.

Noelle brushed the tip of his nose with her own, sending a ticklish wave through his sinuses.

“C-careful -snf- it’s still pretty sensitive…”

“Oh dear,” she murmured as she nuzzled him again, “how terribly inconvenient.”

Even as his breath caught she kissed him. The buzzing prickle spread, making it hard to concentrate, but his fingers did not stop their rhythmic stroking.

“M-Mistress, I… I n-need to- heh-HEH!”

It wouldn’t take much to send either of them over the edge. Oraion could hardly keep his eyes open, and he felt more than saw Noelle’s fingertip gently tease his irritated nares.

“W-wait- Y-you’re guh-gonna m-make me- ih-hihh-HIHH!”

Her hand still behind his neck twined into his hair and shoved his face down into her cleavage.

“hiihh-CHHWFF!”

Once more his sneeze was muffled by the supple flesh of her breasts, and in that moment her pleasure poured into him like a river breaking through a dam. It washed over him in waves, and he let himself drown in it as her hips bucked over his lap. Her pleasure became his own, no telling where one ended and the other began. Each held onto the other for dear life, Noelle clutching Oraion to her chest as he hugged her to himself with his arm around her back.

As they both came down from their shared euphoria, Oraion realized he was biting Noelle’s breast through her shirt. He did not remember making the conscious decision to do so, but she didn't seem to mind. He let go and looked up at her. She was taking her hand out of her mouth—she had bitten the side of a forefinger to keep herself quiet in the stillness of the Librarium.

He kept his eyes on her face as he slowly pulled out of her. The sweet expression she made and the little sigh that escaped her were the perfect dessert to his delicious meal. She opened her soft brown eyes, her cheeks still flushed and rosy, and she leaned in to kiss him once more. He nipped at her lower lip with a sly grin.

“Still afraid we're going to get in trouble?”

“Yes, but now I care less.”

Her lips touched his even as she giggled, a sound that twisted her ever deeper into his heart. Falling for her was a terrible idea, he knew that, but moments like this, the happiness she gave him, made him powerless to resist her gravity. No one made him feel this way, not since his first love, so long past that it may as well have been in another world entirely.

The sound of heavy footsteps approaching broke them from the hold of the afterglow, and Noelle hurried back into her own seat as she adjusted her clothing. She flipped open the pages of the book and leaned over them like she’d been studying them all along, though her face was still quite red. Oraion found his handkerchief had fallen on the floor at some point, and he quickly scooped it up and wiped off his fingers.

The hulking form of the Head Librarian strode into view, carrying a library cart in her hands. Oraion imagined her leaning over to push it normally, and he got a pretty good idea of why she preferred to carry it. She placed the cart down and filed away a few volumes on a nearby shelf. Oraion heard Noelle breathe a quiet sigh of relief.

"Everything all right over here? I thought I heard some sort of commotion, and you’re looking rather flushed, Miss."

“U-um.” Noelle’s voice came out in a terrified squeak, her eyes wide behind her glasses.

Thinking quickly, Oraion lifted his handkerchief to his nose as though he were wiping it, but instead he gave his nostrils a quick tease.

“S-sorry, it’s my fault, I- I- hih- ih-hihh! HIIHTCHHiuh!” He managed to muffle the sneeze by pressing the cloth firmly over his nose, which he hoped was a reasonable facsimile of how it had sounded into Noelle’s shirt. “Nguh -snnff- Sorry, my a-allergies are acting up, and- heh! heh-CHHFF! -snf- I’m afraid I’ve rather embarrassed her with the noise. -sdnf- This is a library, after all.”

The orcish librarian narrowed her eyes. “Hmph. Just keep it down, and do not disturb the other patrons, please.”

“I-I’ll do my best, ma’am… hhihghshh!”

Appearing satisfied, Ogtrop picked up her cart and moved on. Once the sound of her footsteps had faded, Oraion couldn’t help but laugh, smothering the sound behind a hand. Noelle playfully smacked his arm.

“I don’t see what’s so funny! We could have gotten into so much trouble!”

Though her words chastised him, a thread of laughter wove through her voice as well.

“You’re the one who jumped me!”

“Oh, and you didn’t stir up all that dust on purpose?”

“You know it would have happened sooner or later! Now, do you want to keep bickering and draw Ms Ogtrop’s attention again, or do you actually want to study these arcane tomes?”

“Fine, but this is not over!” She went back to the table of contents and found the page she had initially wanted to review. “Now, I believe we were going to talk about the use of conjuration before we were, ahem, interrupted. Weren’t you saying that you don’t actually use conjuration?”

Oraion grinned and placed his arm across the back of Noelle’s chair as they both leaned over the text. “Yes, that’s right. You see, conjuration is the art of creating something from nothing. Were that true, then the handkerchief wouldn’t exist before it appeared in my hand. I would literally be creating it from magic. What I do is a form of summoning…”

While Oraion continued his explanation, Ms Gwendolyn Ogtrop, Head Librarian of the Tigate Librarium, continued her work of filing away the book returns in Section D. She heaved a sigh and tried not to let her envy weigh too heavily on her mind. Men of that caliber were rare enough, but the fact that this one had adorable sneezes too? That human girl didn’t know what a treasure she had. Although, with how red her face was, perhaps she did…

Ogtrop tried to push it from her mind as she tucked another book away. Someday the perfect man for her would walk through that Librarium door. She would whisk him off his feet and into a whirlwind romance, instead of just another link in a lengthy chain of one night stands. Someday happily ever after would happen for her, too.

At least, she could hope.

#accidental mistress #oraion the allergic incubus #noelle the awkward witch #snz ocs #snzblr #snz #snz kink #sneeze kink #snzfic #sneeze fic #sneezefucker

[postguiltypleasures]

My Peak TV Journey *Better Call Saul*

This is an entry that took a while to write. I watched the first two seasons of Better Call Saul as they aired, not too long after I binged Breaking Bad, from which it spun off. I don’t remember why I didn’t watch the third season as it aired. I was busy with something. But I finally got around to the final four seasons around the one year anniversary of the final episodes. I never re-watched the first two seasons, nor BB. This probably did come at the expense of some appreciation for the series. I know there were some characters and sub plots that I forgot in my hiatus. But I never felt I had the time, and frankly, I didn’t like either series enough to rewatch. 

Which isn’t to say that I don’t think it is good. I think it’s good, but it fills me with dread, and not all of it seems intentional. I think As someone who watched and presumably liked BB, the various references to things that would happen there should have excited me more than they did. I found myself resenting that I promised myself to finish it before starting some shows that I also want to see, (the list is endless).

I like the characters of Jimmy and Kim. I like them better than most of the characters from BB, which is why I think the feeling I of dread I got from BB character was unintentional. (I completely forgot about some of the characters from the earlier series between viewings. This includes the Salamanca twins who I think should have left more of an impression on me.)

As I went on I started thinking about how many things that make television television, as opposed to a series of movies. TV runs off the tension between something familiar that the viewer wants more of and the desire to know what is next, and sometimes it felt like BCS was actively going against these things. For example, I often find that I amorally attached to certain sets. BCS ran through various great office and apartment sets, only to make the familiar Saul’s office from BB seem extra unpleasant. Then there were subplots, especially with Gus, where knowing how it wraps up in BB, just made it feel slack. Knowing Gus and Hector die in a murder-suicide made the scenes where Gus was tormenting Hector after his stroke seem pointless. 

There were other times when I wondered about how much I could hate most of the main characters. In particular, I found myself hating Mike more and more as the series as it went on. Or maybe I always hated him, and just got over the sense that I was supposed to like him, or at least see him as somewhat sensible. After all the things between Mike and Werner I think the former deserved to be murdered by Walter White and have to listen to Walter yammer on while he died. Mike’s essential to the plots of both shows, but I hate everything he stands for. He’s smug, cynical know it all. I can’t tell if I was supposed to dislike him, but the fact that I did makes it seem like I should have given up on this earlier.

My fixation on “what does it mean that I hate Mike this much?” is because I am under the impression that he is a well liked character amongst fans. I am also under the impression that Jimmy’s brother Chuck is generally a hated character. I can understand it. Depending on your point of view he either doomed Jimmy to become Saul, or at least refused anything helpful. But I liked Chuck and was less engaged by the show after he died.  His dynamics with Jimmy, Kim and Howard were interesting to me in ways that none of cartel stuff was. I was also amused that Chuck apparently wanted to write a book about the Commerce Clause. The Commerce Clause has fascinating history with American Civil Rights Movements and seems pretty controversial with the current Supreme Court of the USA. But I doubt Chuck would write a book that is engaging for most readers, because he tend to be in his own, intellectual world and doesn’t engage with the masses. And that’s the kind of tragedy that fascinates me.

Jimmy’s potential to be something other that Saul is traced with the class action suit he starts after some discovers at The Sandpiper Senior Residence. I was kind of shocked by how long this plot lasted, especially as it seemed to be dropped for episodes at a time. I made a note for myself about how the beginning and the beginning-of-the-end of the Sandpiper storyline involves Jimmy in a toilet stall making unconventional use of toilet paper. The first is desperate but optimistic. The second is cynical and much more destructive. It ends tragically, which shouldn’t be a surprise as the set up reminded me of Anthony Trollope’s The Warden, and that was a rough read. But how it ended, with the two worlds of the show colliding and making the lead to BB inevitable was exciting and dreadful. It also involved lots of name dropping and heavy foreshadowing with the assumption that we remember it from however long ago we watched BB. It’s really well done. It’s connected aspects of today’s media, where every series in an intellectual property that can go on forever. And I really don’t like that. 

I want to talk about about the show’s other corporate plot in the series, the Mesa Verde plot, the one that Kim is involved in. It’s her big get, and something of a boring prison. It started half way through the second season and ends near the end of the fifth, so it was easy to dismiss as not that important to the general direction, but it does have some interesting things about how most lawyering is tiring paperwork not what we want from a TV show. It shows that Kim gets risky in her games with Jimmy because of how unengaged she is with work that is otherwise going well. Because of the amount of time between the debut BB and now, I found myself wondering if the housing market bubble will affect the Mesa Verde plot? Which I guess made me more engaged than Kim? 

The main idea in this is that after finishing the series, I don’t think I liked it enough to justify the amount of time I spent watching it. But I need say, I do think it’s well made. It was always great to look at, especially with some of their more metaphoric shots, like the ants on the abandoned ice cream cone signaling JImmy’s future as Saul. All the performances were well done. I can tell there was some hard work in this. It wasn’t for me. I need to be better at giving things up that aren’t for me. 

#peak tv #my peak tv journey #what i'm watching #Better Call Saul #BCS #Breaking Bad #BB #saul goodman #jimmy mcgill #kim wexler #chuck mcgill #howard hamlin #mike erhmantraut

[bookwyrminspiration]

Okay coming off anon this time.

(I'm the one who just finished reading ACOD and stumbled across your blog and sent that earlier message.)

I am currently distraught at the lack of community for this series. I'm usually a huge lurker but I may need to come out of my shell more just to talk about this series.

The world building is so good and everything I want in a fantasy. The way so many details are set up and come into play later on makes it all so enticing to reread. While I was reading the last book, I had to check something from the first book and saw a scene with Doc teasing Teraeth about his past life and was like wait I know that now! So many interactions to reread and see with new information. I think the third book is my favorite but the ending of the fifth was so smart and so good that I'd say both of those books are tied.

also didn't know she had a new book coming out soon that's exciting!

Well it's a pleasure to meet you, Cole! The small community/circle of mutuals I have who've read the books I have had to amass quite literally one person at a time over months if not a year at this point. There is a discord, though it's not currently very active (and does have an 18+ requirement given the series' contents--if you want the link I can give it!), and I've got like. A handful of mutuals who I'm mutuals with because of the series (I could give you a few if you'd like, too!)

GOD the worldbuilding. I am so so into complex worldbuilding, and acod really just goes above and beyond. It takes into account not only how the world works but the different ways people think (and are wrong about) how it works.

And it really does read like we've been given a set of rules and then have to figure out how to make them do what we want, not that the rules have been made specifically to appeal to/be flexible for the intended end result.

THE REREAD POTENTIAL!!! I remember being so (pleasantly) confused my first read, but so much suddenly makes sense when you go back. It's amazing the level of thought, detail, and consistency (though the series is of course not without errors, like Talea introducing herself to Merit twice).

There's this one throw away line in book one about Teraeth going on and on about how brilliant Atrine's construction/layout is and how cool it was that Kandor did it. And now knowing, it's like holy shit that's so funny.

I think for me books 3 and 4 are my top. Three is where everything really starts to come together, not to mention that ending! I don't think any book ending has ever had me as jaw-dropped "holy fuck dude" as that one, and I don't think any one ever will again. And book 4 does lean a little heavy into therapy-esque, but I adore Senera and seeing everyone come back and talk shit through is cathartic. Little group therapy to get their shit together to save the world.

They're all so good, the way I think about fiction and the kind of writer I want to be has unironically shifted. Like we can do that?? that's allowed? I wanna do that

And yeah! She's got a standalone, The Sky On Fire, set to come out this July!! I'm pretty sure I'm going to be incoherent when I get my hands on it :)

#a chorus of dragons #quil's queries #arynneva #long post #i will never be the same person I was before I read those books #and I will never interact with fiction the same way #acod is the bar against which I measure the world #i need the entire series tattooed on the inside of my eyelids #the barest mention of it and im off the walls

[infectedtale]

Welcome Taleblr!

I am Manny and this is my take on the mlp infection AUs- with a Taleblr twist. This blog is an Ask blog where you, the audience can ask the infected and survivors questions.

With that out of the ways, let us address the infection of this AU:

The Unicorn Virus

The Unicorn Virus is a psychological and magical based infection that originated from the unicorns. Papa Acachalla was patient 0 having been infected by the cursed book. He attacked his family before fleeing and has not been seen since. In this next paragraph we will be addressing how the virus operates.

The virus spreads through three common forms: Bites, sparkles, and contact with cursed objects. Bites are self explanatory, an infected bites a healthy victim and spreads the unicorns magic. This method is considered the least dangerous as the bitten limb can be amputated before the virus progresses too far. Sparkles are the spores that the unicorns hosts expel. Almost like a glittery aura, these small spores surround the host. When threatened the spores will cover a greater distance to eliminate the threat. These spores if inhaled or eaten will cause immediate infection in victims. They will immediately progress to the second stage. Cursed objects are the rarest form of infection but they are no less dangerous. Each item holds a potent form of the virus. One that makes its hosts much more dangerous than the common infected. They too will progress quickly.

Above I mentioned that the virus has stages. There are currently five known stages of the viral progression.

The first stage is the initial infection. For those infected via bite, the first stage will be pink spores that surround the skin around the bite. For those infected via cursed object or sparkle spores, the first stage is pink spores that leak from their orifices. This is the only stage currently curable.

The second stage is the mental infection. The virus has spread to the hosts brain. There is no saving them. They will begin to hear the unicorns within their own thoughts. They will seek out brightly colored objects and blood. During the later half of this stage, the host will experience a loss of identity. If asked what their names are they might answer with “Cuddly Kittysnuggles” or “Stardust Sprinkleshine.” They are still killable during this stage, do not let it progress.

The third stage is the growth stage. The hosts skeleton will begin to grow, though each hosts growth varies, all will grow a horn. The horn appears to be made of pure bone, it will grow through the hosts forehead skin and continue growing until [unknown]. The rest of the hosts skeleton will also elongate, the skin does not seem to be able to keep up with the growths and will split. They still appear conscious as they have been observed talking to others. Easiest to avoid as they attempt to lure survivors.

The fourth stage is the spore stage. Until this stage the infecteds spores cannot spread beyond their body. The spores will leak from the horn surrounding the host. They will attempt to share these sparkles with anyone uninflected. Do not let them, use gas masks and bandage wounds to avoid infection. Bites are no longer their goal. Avoid at all costs, they are no longer waiting.

The fifth and final stage is the complete stage. Not much is known. The hosts seem to lack any former memories, they seem to believe they are the unicorns. Walk on four legs.

Now onto the characters. (More tba! Feel free to ask about your blorbo)

Survivor

Billy Acachalla (Bio)

Maddie Friend (Bio)

Infected

Gertrude Acachalla (Bio TBA)

Johnny Ghost (Bio)

Papa Acachalla Stardust Sprinkleshine (Bio TBA)

Tag list

#unicornvirus- this AU, all posts

#uvasksanswered- in character asks

#manny the immune- ooc answers and posts

I’m looking for artists if anyone would love to help. Until then it’s all text posts ^^.

#taleblr #infection at #manny the immune #tw infection #Tw virus #tw body horror #Tw bone growth #unicornvirus

[tryslora]

What I'm Reading Wednesday...

On the Duck Prints Press reading server, it’s What I’m Reading Wednesday where we all share what we finished in the last week, what we are currently reading, and what we think of these books.

I figured hey, why not bring that to the rest of the world for myself. Because I love yelling about my current reads. And I’ve always got several things in motion at one time, between physical, audio, and ebooks, plus things I’m reading for specific reasons.

Here’s the summary from the last week in visual format (the actual discussion is behind the read-more):

Fiction

I am currently reading Many Drops Make a Stream by Adrian Harley (from Duck Prints Press). There are so many things to love in this book. The world building packs so much into such a small space. The culture clash between human and shapeshifter is wonderful (and Harley’s shapeshifters truly have a culture all their own). I thought it was going to be a quick read because it’s short, but the language and depth of information have me going slower and savoring every word. That said, I’ve also reached the point where I want to take it in faster, so I find myself spending a little extra time every time I pick it up, just to get a few more pages!

Manga & Graphic Novels

I have one manga and one graphic novel in progress.

I’ve been reading The Complete Elfquest, volume 1 by Wendy & Richard Pini for a little over two weeks now. We have several of these volumes, and my intention is to read one chapter/issue a night, so I am able to savor them slowly, but also get through them. Reading this first volume is like coming home into a fandom from childhood. The first chunk of it was also collected in the original Warp Graphics compilations, and I can’t remember how often I read those back in high school. I’m reaching the parts now where I probably only read the individual issues once or twice, so it’s familiar, but not to the point where I’m like oh yes, I remember gazing at that panel for hours. I still love these elves, and this story, and I cannot wait to get home each day and be allowed to read a chapter. I’m looking forward to when I reach new-to-me material.

I watched the 24 episode anime The Apothecary Diaries and I wasn’t ready to let it go when it was over, so I started reading the manga by Natsu Hyuuga and Nekokurage. I finished volumes 5 & 6 this past week and am currently reading volume 7. I have the remaining already published volumes waiting for when I’m done with this. I adore Maomao and Jinshi, and am incredibly excited to get to the point where canon moves past what is in the anime. That said, getting to revisit events I already watched on TV and linger over what was said and the exact expressions has been soooo good. (And yes, I know the light novels also exist and will be rolling into those in ebook form after the manga; I might be a tad bit obsessed).

Audiobook

A while ago I thought “I should read some TJ Klune” so I checked the library list I had for audiobooks, and the first of his Extraordinaries trilogy was available in audio. I listened to it. I was addicted. I’m now on the third book—Heat Wave—and I find it very very hard to put it down. I can’t listen while working, only while commuting, walking, or doing chores—things that don’t require me to actually think so I can multi-task. But hey, it’s a GREAT way to get me to do my PT since it means fifteen minutes more of audiobook listening! Nick, the POV character, has ADHD and I flail a lot over pretty much everything he thinks and does. I love every character in this series. I love how Klune is using superheroes as an allegory for the queer experience and for racial issues, but at the same time, is actually addressing those issues explicitly. I both want to listen faster to find out what happens, and linger so it doesn’t end.

Ebook

I have been reading Wayfinder by CE Murphy, which is the second in a duology. This is a romance, yes, but it’s another fun culture clash book, this time between humanity and faerie, and I am so here for that. Murphy is an author I used to read a lot from, and I’m trying to work my way through her back catalog slowly because I’ve always enjoyed her style. Accessible and fun. This series is about a woman who has always been able to hear lies (a Truthseeker), and how her talent develops, and how she works with the faerie kingdoms to try to help them (despite some of them not wanting help, and the original situation not being the one she’s actually needed for).

Non-fiction

I have been working my way through three non-fiction books.

One is A Year of Zen by Bonnie Myotai Treace. I had been looking for a journaling prompt book, and decided to give this one a try. I made the difficult decision to write directly in the book itself, then the additional decision to let myself fail if needed. So if I don’t get to answer a prompt on a day, I just answer it the next day. One prompt per day. It’ll take me more than a year to go through it, but that’s okay. The idea is to have me think and write a short paragraph every day, and not feel guilty about messing up. It’s working surprisingly well. Learning to let myself fail has been a big part of my process this year, and hopefully I am learning to let go of some of the anxiety about things needing to be matched and rigid.

The one I am stalled on right now is The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris. It was recommended as a book that therapists like to use for themselves, not merely recommend to their patients, and it reminded me of the radical acceptance I’m supposed to be practicing (and apparently am, despite myself, according to my therapist after she listened to me). The problem is, it has exercises (doesn’t everything?) and I stalled out because I didn’t have time.

Time is a theme, y’know? And that’s what happened with the last non-fiction book. I’ve been working through The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, taking it as a self-guided 12 week course. I’m currently on week 5. However, I did a week of just doing morning notes before I really got started, then I took a week off when everything went haywire in my schedule because of the power outage. So it’s been about seven weeks so far. This week, as I worked on exercises, I found myself really digging in to my emotions about this book. And in the end, I decided that while I can see the value in some things, the book itself is giving me more anxiety about everything to do with my writing, while at the same time making it impossible for me to find time TO write (while following the advice it gives). So. I am no longer doing it as a course, with exercises, but I will finish reading it. And if an exercise appeals, I’ll do it. It’ll still take time, because I’ll probably still read one chapter each weekend, but I am already feeling WAY less stressed and I only made this decision last night.

So…

That’s it for me! What are you reading?

#what i'm reading wednesday #duck prints press #reading #books

[allypeach123]

Shows That Have Been Canceled!

Buckle up because this is a long one but it's worth it. This brought two shows to mind. One show was The Owl House on Disney Plus and the second was Julie and The Phantoms on Netflix.

If you are familiar with shows such as Gravity Falls then you are already familiar with some of the people on The Owl House. I will try to keep the description of the show short as I could go on FOREVER about this show and it is one of my current top favorites (possibly favorite). In brief, it is about a girl Luz Noceda who doesn't quite fit in. One day she accidentally stumbles across a demon realm where she meets Eda The Owl Lady and decides to live out her dream of becoming a witch just like Azura in her favorite books "The Good Witch Azura". However, being a human this proves to be a lot harder than she thought. The show follows her adventures through the Demon Realm unfolding a much darker story as the show continues. If you haven't watched it, I 10000% recommend it. Sadly, as this show was about to reach it's third season Disney decided it was not going to continue it... but was generous enough to give it a final three episodes. FANS WERE OUTRAGED! There were so many theories as to why it was canceled and I am not even completely sure which are true. Some of these theories included having a queer relationship and LGBTQ+ representation, others theorized that because the show came out around the time of COVID it was a budget thing (which doesn't make complete sense because Disney is HUGE). The main thing people had to go on was Disney's claims that the show no longer "fit their brand". I will admit as disappointing as this was the ending was beautiful. The writers did a beautiful job of making us cry and laugh as they tied up the story while integrating plot points in small ways that were supposed to be full episodes. One thing I will forever be upset that the story was robbed of however, is a Hooty back story. Hooty was this owl...? Demon? Thing? Yes? that was the owl house itself and lived in the door. He was a disturbing but also really funny character and just looking at him raises so many questions.

Another show that came to mind was Julie and The Phantoms. This show was on Netflix and was directed by Kenny Ortega (director of High School Musical, Descendants, and a lot more). This show is a very different concept and hard to explain without watching the show. It followed a girl Julie who recently lost her mom. She loved music but it hurt too much to play as her mom also had loved music. Until one day she finally decides to go into the garage space her mom used to play in and plays for the first time since she passed away. Little did she know she was not alone. She discovers a band of three boys living in her garage? Except they're not exactly alive. They had passed away young due to a street hot dog incident. The show follows Julie and the band as they discover that only Julie can always see them but for some unknown reason when they perform together they are visible to everyone. The show ends on a massive cliffhanger with some trouble from a ghost antagonist who wants the band to perform for him forever. Although there is hope!! There is rumors and hints from the cast that the show may continue and be picked up by another company! The reasons for canceling this show are even more unknown than The Owl House. The show continues to be fairly popular, was directed by one of the most beloved directors of my generation, and has a sound track that will get stuck in your head for days! But, it may also just be Netflix living up to it's reputation of nixing shows before they really even have a chance to become something but who knows.

#writ318mu #week 14 #the owl house #julie and the phantoms