#//You don't know how bad I wanted to call it “Coven over coven over baby” but I shall spare you from my terrible sense of humor

[bofflesresort]

Celestial Coven

It was a moonless night, the clouds had saw to that. Without a beam of light, it would be dangerous to fly, and Aurora didn't like the possibility of being rained on either. Instead, the witch busied herself in her room at the hotel, writing a letter by candle light. "Greetings fellow sky dancer and unweaver of reality, If you have an open heart and seek to meet others of a like mind, I invite you to a gathering of where we will dance and celebrate. It has been far too long since we've had a gathering, and our community ties dwindle. But I hope to see you join us, and good times be had by all who wish to be amongst their brethren." The witch then positioned several crystals around the paper, using them to focus the moonlight on a pool of ink near the bottom. The ink swirled about, forming the words "Six days, twenty three hours, fifty nine minutes, fifty nine seconds." "That's how long we'll have to find any other witches close to the area, though I believe Boffle has a fair number of distant allies we can invite who distance is no obstacle to as well." she told the raven, before sliding a ring with a clear gemstone over his neck. He looked quite annoyed by this, but it easily fit as his neck was much slimmer than his feathers would lead one to believe. "Wearing that you should be able to see a beam of light project from the gem. Only the wearer can see it. When you get near a magic user, the beam will glow purple, and point you in the direction of them- so long as they aren't intentionally using a cloaking spell to block themselves from magic like this." She explained then went over to roll up the parchment which the bottom now read, "Six days, twenty three hours, fifty nine seven minutes, thirty two seconds." She tied it shut with a red ribbon, then used a wax seal of midnight blue and gold to ensure the ribbon stayed in place. The formerly large scroll became the size of a quarter, which she then tied to the bird's leg. "Don't let me down Naji, see how many others you can find. This is far more important than just a party, but that's all anyone else needs to know for now." Aurora told her raven. And with a nod he flew off, as the witch began penning another letter.

Naji wasn't sure how long he'd been flying, often cheating by riding wind streams, when he saw a faint light projecting from the ring. A magic user was nearby- finally he found someone! He swooped down as stealthily as he could. Time to see who this person was. @fctedivided

[yardsards]

thinking of the Implications of the blight parents signing their 14 year old daughter up for emperor's coven tryouts

because

1: the emperor's coven takes their recruits away from their friends and family

2: they do not wait until you are an adult to do this

(like, even assuming the process from getting accepted into the coven to actually joining it and moving to the castle aren't as fast as hunter makes it sound here it's like.

we do see lilith having dinner at home after eda's been cursed. so it wasn't immediate (at least back then it wasn't)

but they weren't waiting til she was an adult either. cuz eda was 2 years younger than lilith (thus at least 2 years younger than whatever the boiling isles considers an adult, cuz we know lilith was still a student then too) and she and lilith planned on joining at the same time. there wasn't a "well, eda can't actually *join* join for two more years, so she might as well wait for next tryout anyway"

which, tryouts might not be *yearly*, perhaps it's more efficient to not have to run the training camp every year, but i don't imagine they'd be less often than every couple of years)

so this?

the blight parents are 100% willing to send their FOURTEEN YEAR OLD CHILD away *forever*

14 years old. not even done with puberty yet. half a head shorter than her siblings and a whole head shorter than her parents. face still covered in baby fat.

this is a child who is called *mittens* by not only her siblings but by the very parents who were willing to send her away

and they weren't just sending her off to live far-ish away and rarely see them again; they were sending her off to have a Real Grownup Job. even if exactly how bad working for the emperor is isn't a well-known fact, it's still obviously a full-time job.

odalia has wanted amity to join the emperor's coven for a long time. after all, having a daughter in the emperor's coven would bring a lot of prestige to the family, and she could maybe try to leverage amity's position to gain more power

and odalia can be an impatient woman, so it makes sense that she'd want this to happen as soon as possible. not to mention, she's canonically not averse to child labour

(i briefly considered that maybe odalia wanted amity out of her life but i don't think that's the case. odalia doesn't outright hate amity; odalia's cruelty comes from seeing her family as tools (and seeing amity as very useful but flawed) rather than malice)

meanwhile, alador explains his choice by saying he thought it was what amity wanted

and it's addressed that that's not really her dream (at least, it DEFINITELY isn't anymore. they way she used to "want" to join the emperor's coven is worthy of its own post tbh). and that if he paid attention to her, talked to her, listened to her, and made himself a person that she could comfortably admit these kinds of things to, then he'd know that.

but he also ignores her when she says she doesn't want to go to tryouts that night (even if she didn't admit that she never wants to join the emperor's coven at all) and wants to go to the bonesborough brawl instead.

doesn't stop to question why his daughter -who has previously shown herself to be rather studious, responsible, and goal-oriented- would suddenly want to "goof off". he just... assumes she's being irresponsible and thoughtlessly not pursuing "her dream" or "a bright future" for no reason, and just needs to be pushed into doing the supposedly responsible thing

but that doesn't quite explain why he's convinced that she needs to do this at *age fourteen*, why her future can't wait a few more years, why her dream needs to happen as soon as possible before her childhood's even over. (and i'm not gonna take "because odalia said so" as an answer here; he's clearly convinced that what he's doing is right and is not just mindlessly following orders)

well, first possibility: i think maybe, while he's not as bad or blatant about it as his wife, he might also think material success is the key to happiness (and the emperor's coven is considered one of the most successful positions in the world, next to being a covenhead)

and with that kind of mindset, a lot of the things that would bring the children actual happiness just get forgotten. their needs for attention and affection, for friendship and leisure, for the freedom to express themselves, for the chance to just be kids, all get thrown by the wayside -sacrificed in the name of "success"

by that line of thinking: joining the emperor's coven = material success and material success = happiness. and if joining the emperor's coven = happiness, then joining sooner = being happy sooner. and why wouldn't a parent want their child to find happiness as soon as possible? unfortunately her age and specific needs are not in that equation at all, even though they're obviously actually very important factors

(you could also honestly apply this reasoning to odalia herself as well, if you want to be charitable. cuz i've seen good arguments that she does actually care about her family's wellbeing, but in a twisted sort of way, wherein her priorities are extremely skewed AND it gets obscured by her own selfishness. idk, the show's characterization of her is weird, even compared to her husband (i blame the s3 shortening rushing their development, tbh). so i waited to bring this up til after i started talking about alador.)

there's also a second possibility: maybe he realizes that their home environment is bad for amity (which, it is), and thinks getting her out of there early by any means would be good for her (which, not quite the case)

maybe not even by noticing her actual misery, but by projecting his own misery onto her. like, he's in an abusive marriage and severely overworked. when he says amity has a bright future, he's kind of contrasting her with himself, and -consciously or not- implying that his life is not what a bright future looks like (which kind of goes against the first possibility, because he is rather financially successful). and he's very afraid of his children having to take his place: probably especially amity, because she's the abomination witch and would be more likely to have to take on his exact job

(ironically, though he doesn't know it, emperor's coven members are just as overworked and controlled as he is)

except, y'know, leaving a toxic home environment to become fully self sufficient is not the kind of upgrade for a kid that it would be for an adult. it'd just be throwing her from one bad situation to another

and also it's your responsibility as a parent to provide an environment for your child that they don't need to escape from. and while some concessions can be made due to the whole abusive wife situation, that doesn't absolve him of all responsibility.

like, the whole point of his role in reaching out was that the WERE things that he COULD do better. like, he became a better father at the end of that episode than he was at the beginning. and none of that change was due to "my wife changed, so i now have the ability to be a better father"; odalia wasn't involved in that growth at all

[murfpersonalblog]

IWTV S2 Ep7 Musings - Loustat Ep5 Revisited (Spoilers)

I decided to do this one first, cuz I have the least to say about it.

It was pretty clear cut and showed exactly what I expected/hoped it would: CONFIRMATION ON EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED IN S1--

THE FIGHT WASN'T RETCONNED AT ALL. 😤👏

Diabolical frame, cuz it's pretty much like, Welp, you're here in Europe, after I distinctly told y'all the European vampires were vicious and not to come here! VOILA! 😬

And I love how his back is to the audience, cuz this bit REALLY isn't about the performance--this is Lestat venting, talking right to Louis, even though he's clearly having difficulty meeting his gaze.

Mild way to put it, but wtvr.

There's that word again: "compromise," which Lestat blamed Louis for leading to "spite--" both Claudia's, AND Lestat's own spite towards THEM. Cuz Lestat was constantly holding back; "fought my nature, controlled my temper."

TOO EFFING BAD, you woke the sleeping effing DRAGON!

Backflip into the coffinroom, omg, I accidentally cackled. 😅

Amen! Lestat put his hands on Claudia first, now you gotta PAY!

"It will end in your death"--excuse me, Lestat?! DEATH THREATS!?

That's right, bash his head into the effing coffin! Now we know what the dent was from! Look at that blood stream! Yeah, you BETTER hold back, Lestat; take this arse whoopin!

I like how S1 focused on the blows Lestat dealt to Louis, as it was from his & Claudia's perspective; but now we're seeing more of the blows Louis dealt to Lestat as he gives his perspective. But it still shows that although Louis' fighting, he's still on the defense, cuz Lestat is often just LETTING Louis hit him--LOUIS can't AFFORD to just LET Lestat hit him, cuz "mighty...most ancient blood...godlike strength" Les will REALLY injure him whenever he does! This is NOT an even fight, even if the perspectives are now more evenly shown.

Exactly! You wanna KILL Louis!? But Lou, don't get cocky now; Les is LETTING you do all this to him, cuz he knows if he gets serious that's your behind. 😬

Bites all over Lou's jaw & neck, gosh--look at YOUR face, Louis. U_U

(I can't WAIT to read the fanfics that come out of this; they're gonna make me cry.) No, unfortunately. I don't think Louis had any intention of going anywhere, even after all that (LOUIS GOT THE DEED, that's HIS house--YOU leave!). And congratulations; thanks to you, Les, Lou wasn't even able to WALK for three effing years afterwards.

Claudia calling for her Daddy Lou, I can't. 😭 This poor baby girl has regressed to her inner child--she's so dang scared.

JUST LIKE YOU DID OUR DAUGHTER--PAPA BEAR LOUIS STOOD UP! 😤👏

I've been in this exact situation IRL, and y'all want me to feel sorry FOR LESTAT!? AFTER HE CHOKED "built-like-a-bird" Claudia and beat the mess out of her Daddy Lou right in front of her!?

Chile, the sword-cane's right there; let's get to choppin! 😤🔪🔪🔪

Apropos for Lioncourt, but that's way too good for him--take him to the EFFING SWAMP and let the GATORS feed on him! I want SWAMP KING LESTAT. 😭🐊

I'm gonna LAAAAAAAUGH, oh he's cracked and I love it! You KNOW they talked to a woman who's been in this EXACT situation.

Oh, this is every woman who talks big to her abusive husband right b4 he lands her in the effing hospital (or the morgue); we all saw the Ray Rice footage when he knocked her TF out WITH EASE when she got up in his face talking smack in that elevator. 💀

Your FATHERS temper, but this is the coven writing his lines "teased until you toppled;" they don't know about the Marquis vs Gabrielle.

THE DROP REALLY HAPPENED, THANK YOU, AMC.

It wasn't cuz Lestat was tryna spare Louis or save him from himself or protect him or whatever--LES WANTED TO BREAK LOU.

It could've been 2 effing FEET. "A hard fall, nothing more;" eff you Santiago!

Yeah, gaslight us some more whydontcha; half the fandom LOVES using that reasoning to handwave aside "abuse" when it's done to the character they DON'T like. 🙄😒 Then it's just awful takes about how Louis & Claudia deserved what happened to them and it's "karma" and it's not Les' fault cuz they're monsters & Lou bloodied Les' face.

And biting w/out consent is RAPE, clown! AR said it over & over that it's a violation of the most intimate act b/t vamps who share emotions, memories & sexual pleasure thru the blood! But watch some braindead takes use Santiago's words as gospel just to Gotcha! anyone who says anything against Louis for Ep5. 🙄😒

CRICKETS. Cuz LESTAT TRIED TO KILL LOU, just like Claudia said! "A wolf congratulated for not killing her pups"--that was scripted. But "you can't script a hurricane!" NO! That's right; set the story straight!

Look at him crying, I love how they do the blood tears effect, as their eyes get redder & redder. The sound of Sam's voice as he's crying is just making me wanna yeet myself into the sun--but it's the middle of the night, alas. U_U "I couldn't force him to love me so I broke him. What is worse than that? Crushing what you cannot own." But I thought Louis was saying "Come to me" and luring you with his wicked vixen ways~! The math ain't mathin, Santiago! 🤭

FINALLY AN APOLOGY OMFG

Claudia said it best: "Let's meet vampires WORTHY of your love!" Unworthy in NOLA, unworthy in Paris--cuz he's STILL gonna throw CLAUDIA under the bus to save Louis, and she KNOWS this.

WAY too effing late--Les had his chance to apologize sincerely the night he dropped Louis 20000 leagues from the frikkin stratosphere! Claudia DGAF, LOL. And Louis looks away from Lestat; bye Felicia!

CONTINUE.

Chile, I need SLEEP! I been up all dang day rewatching this episode & screaming at the ether!

[countrymusiclover]

72 - Kai's Message

Part 73

Gemini Runaway

Tag list ask to be added @icefrye19 @secretdreamlandmentality

"God! Can they stop kicking my bladder?" I groaned through my teeth. I had been laid up in bed for weeks now since I was reaching my final trimester of the miracle pregnancy.

Klaus vamped in the room tossing me a blood bag before he crawled into the bed beside me. "I wish I could help you, love. I don't like seeing you in pain."

"I know you don't." Raising my hand to the side of his face I ran my thumb over his stubble until for no reason I started crying. The reason I hate being a vampire. "What if something goes wrong?"

He tilted his head to the side, clicking his tongue. "Rae…"

"No this is serious, Nik!" I drew my hand back shifting so I was facing him more head on. "I mean besides the fact that they most likely will have vampire, werewolf and witch blood running through their veins. How are we supposed to prepare for this? We're immortal, yes but we've never been parents before. What if I'm a bad mother and-"

He takes my hands in his, cutting me off, squeezing my hands. "Raelyn, stop it. You have nothing to worry about. You are the greatest person I have met. There's nothing you can't overcome."

"I love you.." I mumbled, snuggling my head closer into his chest. "I don't want to ever be separated from you."

He wrapped his arms around my waist as much as he could with my belly so grown where his shirts were actually almost fitting me now. "I love you too. And if that were to ever come to pass. I know that you and I would do everything in our power to get back to one another."

Entering the dining area near the college I saw Caroline who waved us over. Jacob and I were in charge of the girls including his baby daughter. Hayley had asked for Cami's help in locating the next cure so they didn't stay in town long. Sliding into the booth I smiled at my friend. "Hey Care, so what's going on?"

"Damon apparently went into your uncle's house and found these. He was looking for something called the Ascendant." She laid pictures of Jo as a kid out of the table. One photo had her and Kai wearing Christmas sweaters together.

Jacob and I shared a silent glance until Alina spoke up, hitting her hands on the table. "That's in Jo's dresser. We've seen it!"

"Okay…what's it supposed to do?" She asked shifting her gaze back up to us.

Andrea was scribbling on a coloring page sitting in my brother's lap. "It's the key to a prison world. Our uncle Joshua created it. And our mother helped banish Jo's twin there."

"Because he killed four of his siblings and wanted to be the Coven leader." Caroline finished his sentence.

Raising a brow at her I wasn't following. "Yeah uh how exactly do you know that?"

"Jo told me at Friendsgiving. Right when we apparently met her other siblings Luke and Liv." Caroline said.

Sucking in a breath it was starting to make sense why my uncle suddenly showed up and wanted the Coven power back. "And if Damon showed up at his house looking for it then my uncle thought that he was trying to help me release him. That's why he showed up here the other day wanting me to give him the power."

"Wait, you talked about releasing him. If he gets out he will kill Jo." Jacob whipped his head around in shock.

Turning my head in his direction I slumped my shoulders. "I'm aware, J. It wasn't going to happen. I just threatened him that I would if he came after my kids again."

"Geez Rae." He ran a hand through his hair before my vision began to blur in front of me for some reason. Gripping the table in my hands I collapsed over.

"Mommy!" Hope and Missy cried out seeing that I had blacked out.

Blinking my eyes open I rose to my feet. I looked around recognizing the Gemini house in front of me. Walking inside the house I gasped actually being able to go over the threshold. “We meet again, siphon girl.”

“Kai!” I gasped stumbling into the doorway seeing him standing in front of me with Bonnie being dragged behind him. “Bonnie, are you okay?”

She winced. “Raelyn, what are you doing here?”

“I don’t know why, but I can help you.” I raised my hand but when I attempted to throw fire at him it didn’t work at all.

Kai smiled wickedly, he released his hold on Bonnie striding up to me. “Magic is hard isn’t it, Raelyn…Now I have a bone to pick with you actually that you are here.”

“Urgh Kai!” I grunted when he shoved me against the wall holding my hands above my head.

He got up in my face whispering a threat. “I don’t like you very much. You see I have heard about your great power from Bonnie over there. And I am frustrated that you said you would release me and then you backed out.”

“How do you know about that?” I questioned knowing he shouldn’t know.

Kai moved his hands around my neck. “When you did your little power transfer back to my dear old dad. I saw your memories. So just know this Raelyn….Kai Parker is coming to town.” He snapped my neck with me blacking out again.

“Oh my god, Rae!” Caroline was on the ground when I shot awake. She grabs my shoulders with me seeing my daughters all looking at me horrified.

I slumped my shoulders, regaining what had just happened to me. I hadn’t blacked out to the prison world since I turned into a vampire. “I just saw Kai….”

“Did he say something?” Jacob asked, still holding onto his daughter.

“He said he’s coming to Mystic Falls and he’s going to use Bonnie to do it.”

Caroline sighed offering me her hand tugging me up to stand. “I think you and Jacob need a night of fun. Considering you two have done nothing but chase down leads and deal with helping us save Bonnie.”

“What about the girls? We can’t take them to a bar?” Jaocb asked the blonde vampire.

She smiled, intertwining her hand with mine and Jaocb’s. Missy was coloring with Andrea. Hope and Alina were watching our conversation even though they didn’t understand what was happening. “Simple compulsion Jacob. Because I can tell you no one on campus takes vervain so we have the green light.”

“Okay, okay. But then we have to find a way to bring Bonnie back. She is one of your best friends after all.” Holding my hands up I told the blonde knowing she missed her as much as Elena.

Caroline threw her hands up in the air and we all followed her down the street to the nearest bar. “Exactly but let’s go have drinks.” Even on our way I couldn’t shake the feeling that if Kai came into town it wouldn’t end well for anyone who got in his way from what Jo had told me.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[thatgayunoriginalbastard]

Whumptober 2023 Day 10- "Can't you see that you're lost without me?"

Harsh Truth, Cold Love

AO3 Link

Word count: 2667

Summary: Alador could never get away from her. He could never really escape her. No matter what he did or how hard he tried. He would always be trapped with her. And she would always teach him just how bad of an idea it was to try and leave.

“Look who’s back, just as I said you’d be.”

Alador just stood by the front door, holes in his coat from the boiling rain. His face was streaked with tears, eyes red and dark as bags hung under them. In one arm he held Amity, so small and young, completely asleep. His other hand was being held tightly by Emira who was also holding onto Edric’s hand.

“Now why don't you come over here, my love?”

Silently, Alador handed Amity to Emira. Emira held her baby sister securely and nodded, going upstairs with her two siblings, leaving her parents in the entryway. When the kids were gone, Alador slowly walked towards his wife, embarrassed. He didn’t dare look Odalia in the eyes, even when he was close enough that she was able to reach out and cup his cheek in her hand. She scowled for a few moments when he flinched away from her touch, but went back to a calm expression quickly when she saw that he wasn’t resisting anything.

“That certainly was quite the show. The kids are unharmed, correct?”

Alador just nodded.

“Use your words, darling.” Odalia said, venom and masked impatience in her voice, “Our children are the future of the company. And it would be such a bad look on our parts if they got hurt. Especially if the reason they possibly got hurt slipped. Now, are they unharmed?”

“Yes. They aren’t hurt. Some damage to the clothing, but no burns.” Alador said, voice strained and raspy.

“There you go. Now was that so hard?” Odalia said, wrapping her arms around Alador’s neck, acting as if they were a perfectly normal couple.

“No. It wasn’t.”

“Now, it’s quite late, isn’t it? Let’s go to bed and we can talk about this little stunt in the morning.”

Odalia took Alador by the hand, her vice grip preventing him from trying to pull away, and led him over to the stairs. He trailed behind as much as he could, but she didn’t mind so long as he did as he was told. His enthusiasm was unimportant, so long as he was obedient it was enough.

“Now you can only believe my shock and horror at waking up to see not only you were gone, but the kids were gone too. And you all had even taken some of your things? Why I was worried you four had been kidnapped by some thieves who also robbed us and I would be getting a call asking for ransom. But no, just one of my friends telling me they saw you and the kids with suitcases going towards the vacation home of Head Witch Darius. Did he even know you were going to show up?”

“No. He didn’t.”

“And do you really think after what happened between the two of you back at Hexside he would help you?”

“No. He wouldn’t.”

“Well then why was his house the first place you thought of? Not your parents? Or any friends?”

“I don’t have any friends and my parents would just call you. His place felt like the safest option.”

“Ah yes, going to a coven head with stolen money and kidnapped children.”

“It’s both of our money and they’re both of our kids.” Alador said, with only the slightest sense of harshness in his voice so he could stay safe while also getting his feelings across.

“Oh honey, I think you’ve inhaled so many abomination fumes you’ve forgotten our contracts. We may share the company, but I own all the stock. As for the children, well, they are both of ours like you said. So wouldn’t you removing them from me without my consent be kidnapping?”

“They’re not the children, they’re our children.” Alador said, avoiding the question he couldn’t really answer.

“Oh please, you can’t be like that. You never even wanted children. I had to do most of the work. So don’t act like I’m the bad guy here when…what was it you said again? When I told you on our wedding night that I wanted kids?”

“That…that I thought the two of us should come first. And that having children right away could be bad for the business.” Alador sighed, the words having been ingrained in his head as he had relived that night so often.

“And what else?”

“That I would agree to have children so long as I wasn’t obligated to do anything more than expected.”

“And look at you now! Running off in the dead of night during a storm with them to your ex after what I can only imagine being some nonsense revelation or perceived slight. Ha! How times do change.”

The two of them reached the master bedroom door. Odalia opened the door and walked inside, but when Alador reached the doorframe, he froze. Odalia looked back at him, angry and confused, pulling on his arm to get him to come inside. But he couldn’t move.

“Alador? Come inside, darling.”

“N-no. I don’t think I will.” Alador said semi-nervously, finally looking his wife in the eyes.

“Honey, get in here now. Let’s go to bed.” Odalia said, teeth gritting together as she wore a forced smile.

“I think we should sleep in separate rooms. Things aren’t going well between us and it would be for the best of both of us if we had our own spaces to sleep.”

Odalia let go of his hand. She took a few steps towards him. He could see her adjusting her wedding ring. He took a few deep breaths and braced for the inevitable. He could stand his ground, just for the night, and deal with whatever consequences came from that.

“I will give you one more chance, Alador. Come. To. Bed.”

“No. I will sleep in one of the guest bedrooms tonight. Or on one of the couches. Or even in my workshop in the basement. Whatever you so choose, just not here.”

Alador took a deep breath in and closed his eyes, trying to not tense up. And when he exhaled, it was over. He opened his eyes and saw the fury in Odalia’s eyes. With a huff, she turned her wedding ring back so that the sharp metal and gemstone were at the top rather than down by her palm as it had been, turned upside down so that a slap wouldn’t carry a sting, but a slice. Alador didn’t even reach up to his cheek to try and wipe away the blood. He just wore a neutral expression and maintained eye contact as Odalia wiped off the metal and stone with her sleeve before dawning a much more sorry and sympathetic expression. She wrapped her arms around him again, pouting as she looked at him.

“Oh I’m so sorry, my love. You know I love you so much. And I don’t want to hurt you. You know that, right?”

“Of course.” Alador sighed with a neutral tone that had a hint of sadness.

He knew what she was doing to him. He knew that she always did that. He knew that none of it was real, that she didn’t love him or their kids. That all of it was just business and that his feelings would never be reciprocated.

And yet…he could never stand that look in her eyes. He always crumbled at that voice, that face, those words. He was lost without her, he could never leave her. No matter what.

Odalia pulled Alador’s head down and she kissed him. And he kissed back. She was full of passion and ambition and drive…but not love. But he didn’t sign up for love when he married her, no matter how much he tried to deny it. It was just a business arrangement, and nothing more. And he had to accept it.

So he did.

He didn’t put up a fight when she pulled him into their bedroom, only reaching back to close the door behind them. He didn’t say anything as she kissed his neck and unbuttoned his ruined coat. He did what she told him to do and never said a word. He let her do all the work and just laid there, doing everything he could to not cry. And when she was done and had cleaned up, he held her close, wrapping his arms around her and tucking his chin in the crook of her neck as they lay in bed and went to sleep.

The next morning when Alador woke up, Odalia was already awake and ready for the day. She noticed him sitting up in bed as she was just about to open the door.

“I’ve thought about what you said last night. And I suppose you have a bit of a point. I’ll have the abomination servants move your things to the spare room on the other side of the staircase today. You’ll have plenty of distance from me. I know the room isn’t big, but it’s what you deserve and you don’t have that many belongings anyways. I will require you some nights, but for the most part I will allow you to sleep in your own room.”

Alador was shocked, but mostly just filled with joy and gratitude that she actually listened to him and was going to give him that.

“As for the children, I have already spoken with the head of our legal team. I know you ran off because of that little suggestion about the kids being more involved in the company. I’ll have a contract drafted up and we can come to some sort of arrangement.”

Alador actually smiled at that. He got up from the bed and went over to her to thank her, but before he could even lean in to give her a kiss or reach out to hold her, she held up a hand and he stopped.

“I already have my makeup on and it took me ages. You aren’t messing it up. Thank you for the sentiment though, I’m glad you’re so thankful for my generosity.”

Odalia opened the door to leave, but paused as she looked him up and down.

“Now please get dressed. You already traumatized the kids enough last night. Oh, and use some healing patches for that cut on your face. We wouldn’t want there to be a scar, now would we?”

Odalia didn’t wait for a reply, because she already knew what it would be. She just smiled, blew him a kiss, and left to get some food and go to work. Alador just sighed and went to the closet. Sifting through all of Odalia’s things before spotting his own small stacks of clean clothes. As he got dressed, he noticed the small suitcase from last night, the expensive leather ruined from the boiling rain just as his coat was. One of the abomination servants had taken them when they returned, after all, so it made sense that it would have put his back where it belonged.

Moving almost robotically, Alador grabbed the suitcase, dumped out all the stuff inside, mostly just clothes and a few wads of money. He then grabbed his coat from the night before off the floor and put it inside. Then he grabbed the rest of his clothes from the floor and put them inside as well. He finished getting dressed then took the suitcase and left the room. He went to the Edric and Emira’s then Amity’s room, knocking on the door both times to see if they were inside and finding they weren’t, and took their suitcases and clothes from last night, emptied the stuff that they had packed, and put their clothes from last night inside. 

All the suitcases in his arms, each made of very expensive material and now holding equally expensive outfits, Alador went downstairs. He heard the door slam from Odalia leaving and saw Amity, Edric, and Emira all in the dining room with their breakfasts. Edric and Emira were sitting in their booster seats and teasing each other as they ate and Amity sat in her high chair as one of the abomination servants fed her. As he walked past the dining room, trying to not pay attention to the kids, he could feel the twin’s eyes laser focused on him as he carried their suitcases away. He could hear the scrape of chairs as the two of them followed him as he went into the parlor. He set the suitcases onto the ground as he knelt to ignite the fireplace.

“Dada, why are you turning on the fire?” Edric asked innocently.

“And why do you have our bags?” Emira demanded, “Wait…are you destroying our stuff!”

“I have one of my favorite stuffies in there!”

“Ed, Em, don’t worry.” Alador sighed, “I unpacked for you. Well, I dumped out what you put in these. For yourself and your sister.”

“Then what’re you doing?” Edric asked.

“Last night was a bad night, okay? And we’re just going to say it didn’t happen.” Alador said, staring at the fireplace, “So we’re getting rid of any proof that it did. All that's in these suitcases are your clothes from last night, nothing more. I don’t want to…I don’t want you to be reminded of what happened ever again.”

The fire ignited and Alador threw his suitcase atop the flames first, watching as the magical, purple fire consumed the wood and leather, easily eating through all the material. Then, he threw in the twin’s suitcases, and the exact same happened with theirs. As he held Amity’s little bag, he looked at the little paint handprints on the bag. 

What felt like such a long time ago, Amity had been getting her room painted because Odalia decided the color wasn’t smart enough. Amity managed to get her hands covered in paint, which of course led to her getting paint everywhere, including on her expensive, silk bag. Alador managed to convince Odalia to not throw the bag away and it quickly became Amity’s favorite bag. It’s why when Emira was grabbing stuff for Amity while Alador and Edric finished packing their things the night before, she picked that bag to put all of Amity’s stuff in.

And now the bag was not only stained with paint and sentiment, but awful, awful memories.

Alador threw the bag in the fire and just watched as it burned. All the memories, the good and the bad, burning away with it. 

There would be no sign of what happened, no sign at all. He could only hope that Amity was young enough that her developing brain wouldn’t remember it and that the twins would repress it as they grew up. And that he could somehow repress it too.

“Dada, why didn’t we stay with Dari?” Emira asked, hugging Alador’s arm, “We were so close.”

“Well I noticed that one of mommy’s friends saw us and that made me remember that Darius was really busy. He’s a coven head after all. Wouldn’t want to disturb him. Your dad had time to think and realized how silly he was being.”

“What happened to your face?” Edric asked, hugging Alador’s other arm.

“Oh, your dad just fell out of the bed last night. Got a really big scrape.” Alador said with a soft smile, “I’ll be fine, no need to worry. Now, you two go finish your breakfast. It’s a school day.”

“Okay!” The twins said chipperly, rushing back to the dining room, already joking with each other like they had been before as if nothing had happened.

Alador looked back at the fire and extinguished it. He then sighed, got up, and headed to the kitchen to grab something to eat before he went to his workshop.

He could keep up the act. He could pretend everything was fine. What other choice did he have? He had to protect the kids. He had to protect their kids.

He had to protect his kids.

And he could only do that if he stayed exactly where he was.

[semper-legens]

170. The Shadow Cabinet, by Juno Dawson

Owned: No, library Page count: 504 My summary: Her Majesty's Royal Coven is still dealing with the aftermath of the downfall of their previous leader. But all is not well in the county of Yorkshire. Leonie's brother is missing, probably gone after evil warlock Dabney Hale. Elle's husband is acting very strangely. Theo struggles to fit into school, between being a witch and being a trans girl. And Niamh Kelly is not who she seems... My rating: 3.5/5 My commentary:

Ah, back to Her Majesty's Royal Coven. This is the second book in Juno Dawson's first series for adult readers, and though I am very much enamoured with her writing when it comes to YA fiction, HMRC left me a bit cold the first time I read it. I've discussed it with a friend (herself a trans woman) since, and she hit the nail on the head with her commentary - while she didn't think it was a bad book per se, she was disappointed at how it was aimed more at middle-aged cis women with book clubs than trans women. Trans women don't get so much fiction that is aimed specifically at them, after all. And I agree with her on this - a lot of Dawson's writing in this series trends towards what I call the 'baby's first' style of writing. By that, I mean that it introduces a social issue, but in a way that is meant to be for people who have absolutely no prior knowledge of or experience with that social issue. In this case, it's a combo of baby's first trans teenager and baby's first systemic oppression. None of this is by necessity bad. It's just not quite what I was expecting or looking for.

So yeah, as previously mentioned, the main protagonists of this book are middle-aged cis women, though trans teenager Theo does get some point of view time and her own B plot. This isn't necessarily meant to be a book about transness, but as I said, I'm still left a little disappointed by the lack of trans characters. That said, this book introduces an intersex witch who helps Leonie in her quest to find big bad Dabney Hale and her brother Radley, so that's an interesting addition at least. But for all I have complained about the focus being on said middle-aged cis women, it isn't as though Dawson writes them badly. On the contrary, she manages to perfectly walk the line of universality (everyone knows a woman who acts like at least one of these women) and specificity, where her characters still feel like full people with lives and stories that aren't just meant to be blandly relatable. Reading about them is fun! I particularly like housewife Elle, who learns of her husband's infidelity and winds up unlocking a part of her and a power that she wasn't aware of previously. It's an interesting idea and I want to see where it's going.

But the politics of this book are very baby's first. I get it, when you're writing about issues like women's rights and trans identity, particularly transfeminine identity, in a modern setting then there's no reason why your characters can't be spouting the modern social justice terminology when they talk about it. I just think that the messaging with the politics of the book was a little too clear-cut and unsubtle. I would have liked a little more ambiguity, and perhaps for the characters to not always talk like internet teens sometimes. At its worst, it just came across as clunky and obvious, and that's the kind of thing you really want to avoid in a book with these sorts of messages.

Like I said, the characters in this novel are engaging. Ciara is one of our main point of view characters, the sister of Niamh who took over her body and is now masquerading as her. The heel-face turn she is slowly making, plus her attempts to piece together her past and understand who she really is, are engaging, and her voice is a fun one to play with. Poor Theo gets a subplot where she is coming to terms with her magic and her transformation after the last book which raises some interesting ideas about dysphoria, identity, and gender as well as being really endearing. Leonie's determination in her quest to find her brother is strong, and Elle's more domestic problems are a slow tragedy that is nonetheless interesting to see unfold. I'm probably gonna end up reading the next book in this series when it comes out. I do still really like Dawson's writing. I'm just a little disappointed that this story could have been a lot more complex than it is.

Next up, back to CHERUB, as a plane crashes into the ocean.

[marvellousinternethideout]

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER

Season 2

Ep 13 - Surprise

Whew, I am back. Let's go. Lol, I kinda forgot what happened in last episode .

OHHHH YESS, Drusilla is back. This should be fun!

What kind of weird dream is buffy having? Drusilla is controlling her dreams?

That angel dying was soooo bad lmao. My guy didn't even tried to act.

Oh hey shirtless angel. The show knew what we wanted.

I hate it so much when no one believes the main lead, can we at least humor them when you know that supernatural exist, like everything is possible.

This bangel kiss while it's hot, it feels like outta nowhere. Or maybe it's the way it happened, she was talking about something serious and he just started make out with me. A little more lead-up would've been nice. Its probably just me.

Oh yeah they can't have sex(don't know why, I just know it cz of spoilers).

What was the cut? It was fucking weird. We cut from buffy and Willow to Buffy and ... Willow? What was the point of that cut.

OH HEY OZZ!!!

"He's nice, i like his hands", lmao Willow , way to go!

Go tell her Buffy!! Tell willow. You're her savior.

WILLOW AND OZ ARE INTERACTING! Their interaction are so fucking top tier!

Yessss!!!!! A date!! Yesssz!

Oz and willow are so awkward and cute, I FUCKING LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!!!

"I said date", lmao willow, you're adorable and my favorite.

Xander and Cordelia do nothing for me. They're funny sure but I don't ship them.

Xander and Giles are funny together.

Spike is also back!!!! I am loving this. Oh his face is burned (or something).

Drusilla has lost it but blame angel. He's responsible for everything that has happened to her.

What's in the box?

Yikes, one of her dream scenes came true.

Who's this guy following Jenny? Can we all leave her alone.

BITCH WHAT THE FUCK!!! WHO IS JENNY!!??? SHE IS WITCH!! PART OF A COVEN. YENNA(?) OF SOME PEOPLE.

UNCLE!!????

WHAT IN THE FUCK!!! JENNYYYYYY!

Wait, they(Jenny and her uncle) were talking about Drusilla. She's the one who was part of their coven.

I LOVE THIS EPISODE!!

Poor Giles though. Damn his heart is gonna be broken... Again.

Where is jenny taking Buffy? Don't trust her Buffy.

Damn, did she want her to get killed ?

LMAO, not people inside waiting and hearing her fight. You gotta love the timing.

OZ JUST FOUND OUT!!

Oz found out like immediately. Well, my guy, you're part of this now. Welcome to the madness.

Please don't gaslight Oz. Just tell him the truth.

LMAO OZ JUST ACCEPTED THE TRUTH. He's like, "that explains a lot". Seriously, though, show needs to do better with reactions after finding out that vampires or supernatural exist. Some freak out and denial would be nice.

What was that creature in that box? Was it sent by spike and Drusilla or the witch coven.

Willow: "What was it?", Oz:- "It looked like a arm", oh you my precious babies.

"oh she wouldn't ", oh she would angel, Drusilla would.

The Judge, this body is called the judge.

Damn, Drusilla just assembled a dismembered body and brought him back to life. What an icon. Lmao, this bitch is crazy and I love her.

Let angel go buffy, there's no other choice.

Awwww sad separation but get over it.

Oh so it was sent by Drusilla and jenny and her coven used this to get Angel away from buffy.

I ship angel and buffy but damn I need more of them.

Aww, angel gave her a family heirloom, a family he killed. How romantic😍

Him describing the meaning behind the heirloom was just funny considering what he did. Like damn angel, maybe don't do that.

He was gonna say I love you and the vampires came. Alright, I like this better anyway.

Like, Xander is way too damn right about how angel and buffy will never work. This will never be a thing. I mean it's sad but like, I am not that sad.

Another dream?

Sometimes bangel's scene has no affect on me. Like, there is no feels.

She assembled the fucking body!!!!! Damn, girl. What a good fucking icon.

Spike is gonna start hating Drusilla. Isn't he?

Lmao buffy, the body is assembled, you're too late.

Maybe they shouldn't have come to the party.

Lmao, the spike is too damn funny. I love him.

Ok, so who is gonna save them? Nvm, they did it on their own.

They are gonna have sex, aren't they?

Damn, the sexual tension. This scene is damn. The chemistry 🔥🔥🔥

Damn, the I love you's dropped. Again, damn this scene.

So they did have sex and he's dying now. Damn buffy and her poisonous pussy.

THAT'S WHERE YOU END IT??

Alright, I love this episode. This was freaking Good. This was more on the slow side but it fit perfectly with the plot. Like we knew about everything but we were still invested. You need to know your stuff for that. So great job to the creaters and writers.

Anyway, on the plot, damn that justice guy was so crazy and so fucking good of plot. It was insane and I loved it. I mean I definitely didn't see this coming. Assembling a dismembered body, Damn! I am loving this and can't wait for the next episode (great thing I don't have to).

Now, I don't feel bad for angel whenever drusilla does something to him or plot against him, I am sorry but the angel deserves it. In their case I'll always be team drusilla. Drusilla has suffered way too fucking much. She deserves revenge on him, I don't care what anyone thinks. The only person I feel about is buffy, she is suffering for his actions.

We had oz and willow in this episode and fucking finally. I love them so much and their interactions are just chef's kiss 🤌. What a icons. I love them, I love their innocence, I love their Interactions, I love their chemistry. I love absolutely everything about them.

Also, we had a lot angel and buffy which probably was most we have had them. A lot angst, heartbreak, love, confessions, anger, sadness and they did it perfectly. The crazy in love how I would describe them in this episode. There were some scenes that fell flat for me while there were some that were 🔥🔥🔥. Especially the last scene, what a fucking great scene. Everything about that scene was perfection. The hopeless, madly in love, the love, the tension, the craziness, the angst, the fear, that scene had everything and you can feel it. You can feel all the emotions. It was that great. Damn great job actors.

Also, the cliffhanger, I guess it's time to watch another episode.

That's it for now, see ya in the next one. Cheers🥂

[septembersghost]

okay, this is partial mass catch-up of tag games over the past three weeks 😘💖💖💖

tagged by @blue-eyed-cutiepatootie and @moonlayl

name: jess

star sign: virgo

height: 5′3"

time: 12:21 am mountain time as i start to type

birthday: september 13

favorite bands/artists: this is always one of the hardest things for me to answer because i love so many...but on the constant and current list: taylor swift, harry styles, niall horan, (i mean...1D by default since 2019 i'm not sorry, they became a very real source of joy at a time when i was desperately sad and have remained so), fall out boy, fleetwood mac, lord huron, florence + the machine, frank sinatra, barbra streisand, ella fitzgerald, sara bareilles, gabrielle aplin, lady gaga, sasha sloan, lizzy mcalpine (she's new to me but i'm saying her considering i've listened to her so often lately), idk an infinite number of artists i'm forgetting...i love music.

last movie: oh gosh. it might've been tick tick boom, i've barely watched movies lately!

last show: only murders in the building

when did i create this blog: november 2020, but i've been around tumblr since 2011-ish!

what i post: LOL. sweethearts, my little chili babies, you have seen this blog. i post...anything that catches my fancy. all my favorite things. i post a lot. i need help.

last thing i googled: "bald cartoon villain" @arthurwilde knows why 😂

other blogs: all my previous three blogs still exist and i periodically login to them to try and keep them from being deactivated, but i'm not actually on them anymore (i've thought many times about going back to or reclaiming @saferincages because i still think of this blog as temporary and that blog as home, but it feels wrong to do it somehow)

do i get asks?: i do and i appreciate them!

following: 170

average hours of sleep: uh. unfortunately i have no such thing because cfs/me is a curse upon my existence

instruments: sadly no

what i'm wearing: pink floral bambi pajamas

dream job: so i used to dream of being a voice actor (or singing voice) because i thought it would be so fun to embody characters and be able to pursue my passion for music without some of the stage fright that accompanies it when you're live in front of an audience, but in a more realistic realm i really would have loved to do something with music therapy to combine the passionate part of it with being able to help people.

dream trip: the south of france (it will never happen, ya girl is housebound)

nationality: american 

favorite songs: how on earth am i supposed to answer this, it's impossible ;___;

last book i've read: the not so chosen one by kate emery

top 3 fictional universes i’d like to live in: rivendell from lotr, naboo from star wars (except not during the empire), whatever world they live in in the nightmare before christmas where i can walk between halloweentown and christmas land whenever i please 🎃🎄

besties this is only 23 questions and it said it was 30, i don't know where the other seven disappeared to!

***

tagged by @newromanticstv

a couple of these were the same as the above, so i only left the non-repeats!

relationship status: spinster

favourite colour: dusty rose pink

song stuck in my head: doomsday by lizzy mcalpine

something i want: to not be so terrified and worried every day? laughing/crying

***

tagged by @rogerhealey

fave color: since i already said my pink, let's add periwinkle blue!

currently reading: the baby-sitter's coven, next is don't tell a soul

latest song: the game of love by santana ft. michelle branch

latest series: better call saul (rewatch and S6), breaking bad (selective rewatch), bates motel, omitb, i need to catch up with what we do in the shadows (@rogerhealy i love that your list was all classics)

latest movie: if it wasn't the aforementioned tick tick boom, it was spiderman no way home, andrew garfield supremacy

sweet | spicy | savory (have to be careful with spice bc chronic illness issues)

currently working on: nothing planned!

***

tagged by: @endlesslydeath

post my top 5 tracks rn!

as i said, music questions are so difficult for me because i'm too emotional and attached! and if this is by current top plays i don't actually know lol, but i'm going to say on most frequent rotation lately are - satellite by harry styles, all my ghosts by lizzy mcalpine, my love by florence + the machine, johhny can't decide from the tick tick boom soundtrack, this love (taylor's version) by taylor swift

***

i am not tagging anyone to do these since it's several haphazardly mashed together, but as ever, you're welcome to take any of them and tag me so that i can see! <333 🥰

[lis-likes-fics]

A Witch Life | Chapter 4

There was a small get-together that night at the Residence to welcome Y/N, Jasper, Celene, and Anthony. As she sat in front of the bonfire with Jasper, she set up a magical video call with the coven.

When everyone picked up, they waved eagerly.

"Hey!"

"How is it?"

"Is it cool?"

Before they could ramble on, she stopped them, "Hey, guys. I sent some pictures. They threw a gathering for us, look it." She showed them what was going on around them, the dancing, the bonfire, the magical shows. It was a classic witch party.

Carlisle pulled up the pictures she sent him and showed everyone. They watched the interest over their faces as they saw them.

"I want to go on the train!" Althea eagerly said.

"I know, baby. We'll take you some day," Jasper told her.

"We came to see how you were enjoying the party. It seems I'm interrupting something?" Veda's voice announced.

They shook their heads, "Oh, no. Come meet my coven."

She did just that as she sat on Y/N's side. Everyone introduced themselves to her, saying their hellos as they met the famous coven leader. "It's wonderful to meet you. I hope to one day meet you all in person. Until then," she said. "I'll leave you to it."

"So everything is okay so far?" Carlisle asked. Y/N nodded, her head instinctively going to lay on Jasper's shoulder.

"Good," he said. Esme leaned forward with a large smile, "Go have fun. We'll be fine here."

"Are you sure?" she asked. They nodded and waved at them. "Bye! We'll see you soon."

They both waved at them before the call ended. Y/N looked at Jasper, who offered his hand. "May I have this dance?"

She smiled at him and took his hand, standing as she went to join the company dancing around the bonfire. Celene and Anthony were having just as much fun playing with some of the kids and the familiars.

The night continued on into the early hours in the morning. They ate good food, danced to good music, and even drank. Jasper was really comfortable as he enjoyed himself, relishing in the light, happy atmosphere of the witch gathering.

Maybe everything would turn out just as well as it needed to. Y/N's anxieties calmed and allowed her to have fun and party.

-

Y/N groaned as she woke the next morning, Jasper holding her to his chest as she slowly woke up. Her head immediately started lightly throbbing, and she squeezed her eyes shut. She turned around and buried her face in Jasper's chest, shielding her eyes from the light that began to pour through the windows.

Y/N mumbled into his chest, half incoherent. "Hangover."

He chuckled and kissed her forehead. Freya hopped onto the bed where she walked over to her, lying across her face as if she were a pillow.

She grumbled again but made no move to push the fox off of her. She was too tired.

"Come on," Jasper chuckled again. "We have things to do today."

"Don't wanna," she whined.

"Too bad. Get up," he said as he lugged her over his shoulder like a sack. He got her in the shower as he got everything in order for the day.

By the time she was out, Celene walked into the room, completely unbothered by the fact that she was wearing nothing but a towel, and handed her a small bottle.

"Got these. Their potions master has been giving them out to everyone, should help with the hangover," she said. She thanked Celene as she took it from her.

"Thank Merlin," she muttered before opening the bottle. Y/N held it away from her nose suddenly as the terrible smell invaded her senses. "I hate potions sometimes. Why do they always smell so terrible?"

Jasper laughed at her, and she rolled her eyes before quickly downing the potion. It worked quickly to soothe the pain and, before long, she was back to herself.

"Better?" he asked. Y/N nodded and hummed, giving him a quick kiss before getting ready to start the day.

~

Their day was long and exciting. They got to go around the village and actually see where everything was. The tour was wonderful, and they met many wonderful people. They met the potions masters, the animal keepers, the healers, the metal workers, craftsmen, and so much more.

The small town was vast and beautiful, keeping to its elements of old and new, modern and antiquated.

When Y/N was asked about her scars by the healers, she unveiled her illusion spell for them to see. They went crazy as they looked around their small building and vast interior. They scrambled for potions and scrubs, ointments and books that held certain spells. She assured them she did not want them healed, as much as she used to hate them, they reminded her of where she came from to where she was now: from a scared little girl to a strong coven witch.

Instead, they geeked out over the many potions and spells and healing techniques they had picked up and learned.

Many of the witches and warlocks they met were practically geeks. They enjoyed what they did, and it was clear in the way they behaved.

At some point, they found a shifter warlock. He looked to be in his late twenties, but turned out to be nearly fifty. He was very experienced in his work, but very humble about it as well. They inquired with him about his work, hoping to gain more information about it so that she could bring it back to Charlie to help her learn more about her trade. He even gave her one of the many grimoires he had either collected or made himself. They thanked him kindly.

As they continued to explore with Veda and Gia, Veda introduced a few witches and warlocks who had been to war, older witches who traveled. Jasper got caught up in talking with them, and Y/N had to escape in order to allow him to keep talking, so he did not try to leave with her. She wanted him to be able to talk with other people.

It was not long before she was ditched by Celene and Anthony in favor of hanging out with other animal keepers and fire workers.

Which left Y/N with Veda. They walked with one another before coming across Veda's home. It was small on the outside, as the others were as well, but large on the inside with two stories, an underground level and vast rooms.

They went down the stairs to her work space. It was large, the walls were of wood and soil, creating a burrow feel. With a snap of her fingers, Veda lit up lanterns and candles scattered around the room and lining with walls to provide light. There were books all over the place, some with letters that glimmered with bright ink.

There were artifacts and some Potion bottles on shelves or lying around on desks. Quills, pens, pencils, and notebooks all over the place, pages of paper lying carelessly on the floor. It was really the workspace of a witch. Organized chaos.

"This is... amazing," Y/N marveled. "I've never seen anything like it."

Veda looked around with a smile. "This is my office of sorts. Perks of being a divination witch."

Y/N hummed as she continued to look around, amazed at everything. Her fingers brushed over a book with shimmering purple ink that glowed with magic. She opened the book, observing the first page, which read something in Archaic Latin. She read it with ease before closing the book again.

Veda picked up an old fashioned pocket watch, "This belonged to the Great Ernest Frederick."

"A time warlock," she finished as Veda handed over the watch with a hum. As she tilted the watch for a closer look, she saw that the hands and numbers encased in the glass were formed with sand that continued to tick away the seconds. "This is so cool," she mumbled.

Veda then picked up another book, "This was the grimoire of the coven's last leader, Godric. It has been passed down to the leaders for hundreds of years." She showed you the cover of the black, leather bound book, the writing silver and gold.

She set the book down and went to a glass casing that displayed a wand. "This one is mine," she said as she opened the case and took the wand in her hands. "It's ash wood with a combined core."

"Combined?" she questioned. "That's so cool." Combined cores were rare, as the substances hardly ever got along together. Wands that had combined cores were thought to be extremely powerful wands envied by most.

But those cores obeyed only the master of the wand, and had no problem with randomly self-destructing. They were temperamental, but extremely loyal if the cores are mixed correctly.

"It's witch tear and crow feather," she replied. Oh, yes. A very interesting wand indeed. "I hardly ever use my wand, hence why it's down here. I stopped using it a long time ago."

"I hardly ever use my wand anymore," Y/N nodded. "It's a black walnut wood. The core is my husband's venom. Weird interaction, don't get me started."

They both laughed together, spending another long time talking and looking at interesting artifacts. They talked about their covens and families, even bringing up their pasts and some challenges they had to go against.

Y/N's story about facing the Volturi in Italy intrigued Veda. She, herself, had not had a direct interaction with the Volturi and had only heard of them.

Gia and Jasper soon found the two as they migrated to the living room to talk more. Eventually, their group was expanded as Celene and Anthony arrived. More people from the coven sat in and soon, everything was moved to the center of the town where another get-together was formed.

They had fun swapping stories, playing with the children, eating more food, and avoiding drinks. Y/N sent a few letters through Cami back home to tell everyone how the trip was going. It was not long before Althea sent one back, a couple more from others in the coven. They could even make out some scribbles that were Emrys' attempts at writing. It was all gibberish-some simply balls of scribbles-but it made them smile.

Soon they decided to go back to the little homes they were provided with for their stay before going back to bed.

The trip went on similar to this for weeks, happy with the new relationships they had successfully formed.

As Halloween passed, they had to return home to keep their promise to their daughter. Hopefully she would not be upset that they were gone during Halloween. But, as a witch kid, she probably would be a little grumpy.

They arrived home after their train ride on the first of November, greeting their family happily. Althea grumbled at them at first but decided she was not too angry when they gave her gifts from Veda and her coven.

They sent letters back and forth between Veda to keep connections, happy that their meeting had gone well and they were now allied. She was eager to share the news with Romina, who expressed how proud she was of Y/N's first partnership as a leader.

She planned to travel again to Africa soon to visit a warlock and his coven as their next relation trip. But that would not be until January.

Until then, she intended to enjoy her family.

[theaudemon]

Me: feels like I don't have enough angst in the au ideas I already have

My brain: okay hear me out, owl house and omori crossover

So that's how I got here

With a very angsty crossover au focused on hero and kel from omori getting to the boiling isles....and not how you expect.

So let's start from the beginning. Kel is born and Hero gets to see him when he's brought back home. Hero promises himself that he'll be the best brother he could ever be to Kel while his mom is singing them both a lullaby. (Cause I've been in an encanto loving mood I've decided that currently that lullaby is dos orugitas and you can't stop me)

That night something fun happens, a portal to the boiling isles somehow opens up and a sleepy 4 year old hero thinks it looks cool and doesn't hesitate to walk through it. Good news it brings him to a really cool place called the boiling isles, bad news is that he has no way back home.

Of course tiny hero doesnt realize that and decides to explore the halls of this cool castle he found himself in before kikimora finds him. She thinks about what to do before bringing him to belos who's like, oh perfect a new pawn to use/sacrifice for when the day of unity when it arrives.

Hero at this point is very scared and crying, asking where his mom and little brother is. Belos tries to be as gentle as possible and explains where he is and promises him he'll get him back as soon as possible (LIES). Hero finally calms down.

Over the years he learns more about the boiling isles and by the point he's 8 or 9 he has completely forgotten about his life back on earth and simply believes he's a witch who has to use artificial magic due to some issues he was born with. Due to Belos' manipulation and generally growing up somewhere else than he was supposed to. (He also has the tiniest of point in his ears due to using so much magic) He calls Belos his uncle/father most of the time when alone and doesn't often leave the castle without someone from the emperor's coven being with him.

Kikimora likes him because he's a people pleaser who does his best to be the best he can be, although maybe she's a bit worried about the kid overworking.

Belos wants to have Hero being a part of the emperor's coven as soon as possible so around his 15th bday Belos is like you're ready to become a member and uses one of those magical coven brands.

Before that though when hero was 12, Hunter is taken in cause of reasons unknown to Hero. However he gets very attached to a 8 year old hunter for reasons even Hero himself can't really explain. He just assumes he's finally happy that there's someone like him around. Not remembering the promise his four year old self made to a baby kel.

So where's kel you may be asking?

Simple, he's growing up in the human world. Knowing he had an older brother who just disappeared and never came back. Of course he's sad about this and hopes he could meet Hero, even though basically everyone assumes he's dead.

Since there's no one older then him, he's the only who has to deal with his parents expectations. It sucks but he's somewhat used to it at this point, still he prefers to play basketball instead of studying because he doesn't want to be a doctor.

On his way home one day (while he's 16) he ain't happy cause his parents are sending him to somekind of camp made to spur interest in studying medicine and stuff. He really doesn't want to go so when an owl with a bag of stuff tuns past him, he's of course immediately interested and follows it instead.

That's how he ends up on the boiling isles. At first he thinks it's a dream until he pinches himself, nope this weird horror fantasy world is apperantly real.

He meets Eda, King and Luz. Who he immediately becomes friends with and decides eh, what's the worst that can happen? This is more fun than that camp so it's time to skip it.

Idk yet if sunny is there too, if he is then he gets a cool basilisk sibling like Vee to Luz. Probably called Omori and Mari is a bit suspicious of him but hey Sunny had always being quiet and awkward.

Anyway back to kel, he learns glyph magic and unlike Luz he adopts a palisman on palisman adoption day.

His deepest desire and wish that gets him one while everyone is silent for a bit?

I want my parents to have the son they deserve

Which...ow but what kel is thinking is that he somehow finds Hero and bring him home. But without realizing he means his own growth too.

So he gets a palisman and is sad Luz didnt get one. He would go with Eda and king but he has a feeling he knows Luz is going to something impulsive (which he wouldve done too if he didnt get a palisman). So he stays up and silently follows Luz to school.

Seeing she just decided to stay with the palisman he's about to leave again when the golden guard shows up to.

Of course they both know about the golden guard and have heard lilith talk about the golden guard's older brother that's usually addressed as the hero or silver guard.

Imma stop here since I wanna write a fic about this so imma just yeet some bullet points in here:

Hero unlike Hunter doesn't get a palisman, he knows about his "brother's" new buddy though after the boiling blood episode. He never tells Belos because now he himself is confused about where he truly comes from.

Hero has repressed memories of his childhood on earth and meeting baby kel and the lullaby. So whenever kel sings the lullaby to himself to calm down around Hero, he begins to remember and often also panics because what the hell is this?

Kel is finds Luz and hunter in the palisman episode and learns that yeah the hero is Hunter's adopted brother who usually comes along too to make sure he doesn't get hurt.

Kel is the main lumity wingman and is very happy to see his found family sister getting the girl

What does hooty help kel with in the hooty episode? Either feelings of depression and homesickness oooooor

Kel gets cursed by hero because belos told hero that this spell (that's a curse) would make sure to stop all the interruptions to his perfect life

So yeah hooty would help him cope with the fact he's cursed now

Kel is not a happy camper when hero finally shows up at the owl house door like: "so um...I'm sorry? Realized below isn't the best....I don't expect to be forgiven for not being there and cursing you"

What caused hero to finally leave and realize belos is awful? Not sure yet but at the moment it's cause of Raine whispers who was like a teacher and parental figure to hero

Kel of course doesn't forgive hero for ya know CURSING HIM, but does give him a seco d chance while being very suspicious.

Since kel is older then Luz he's usually in the class of older kids with edric and emira who he becomes pretty good friends with.

That's what I have so far, wanted to get all these ideas down before I forget. Not sure what Kel's palisman is so I'll have to think of that. Also I'm hoping to turn this into a fic so yeah.

Hope you all liked the idea and feel free to critique and give ideas ^^

[headinthestaticsky]

The Phenomenon of the Immortal Sun: Jasper Hale x Fleur Swan, Chapter 6

None of the characters in Twilight belong to me, all rights go to Stephenie Meyer!

Authors note: I have no idea if I used these song lyrics in a previous chapter in Eclipse... I have a garbage memory.

"Stars did fall. Thunder rolled. Bugs crawled back, In their holes. The couple screamed, but it was far too late. Her jealous heart did retaliate."

Ten Cent Pistol by, The Black Keys.

Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie looked like they wanted to kill someone. Alice, Dean, Esme, and Bree all looked confused and hurt.

Rosalie inhaled deeply.

"We need to do something about those two..." Rosalie said.

"They're way out of line... Edward especially... human or not I would kill anyone who comes near Fleur." Jasper added, fury was still in his voice.

"What can you guys do he's your brother. Besides after Bella turns they were going to go live in that cabin you guys renovated for them."

"We'll need to do something, you don't need any of this right now... I'm disappointed in him." Esme said sadly.

Before I could say anything else I could hear Bella scream.

"She must've just gotten bitten." I murmured.

"Hey you're probably thirsty, your eyes are starting to turn black, let me get you something," Esme suggested.

"That'd be great thanks... Jazz, could you hand me my phone?"

"Sure, what for darlin?" Jasper said sitting next to me.

"I need to call Sam and Leah... they need to know about this too. If we keep it from them, they could consider it a threat."

Carlisle's office door swung open, Edward ran toward the front door and slammed it. Carlisle came out with an annoyed look on his face.

"He's going to be the second death of me I swear he is."

"Well Seth already knows, maybe he told Leah." Bree suggested.

"Maybe he did but it won't hurt to check." I replied. I dialed Leah's number first thinking she might be a little more understanding.

"Fleur?" I heard her ask on the other line.

"Hey, Leah... has Seth told you anything lately?" My voice trembled slightly. I heard Leah sigh before letting out a laugh.

"Yeah, Seth told me you were pregnant calm down." I heard her reply.

"Oh, so Sam knows too?"

"Yeah but he's a bit skeptical... you know how he is." Leah mumbled.

"Yeah... but what about Bella... he does know that today is her changing day, the transformation is already happening."

"The last thing he told Seth about her is that she's not our concern anymore... it's her choice to change, we can't stop it." Leah explained.

"Listen I gotta go, I'll see you soon."

"See you later." She hung up a few seconds later. I rested my head on Jasper's should and sighed in relief.

"Here Fleur, maybe this we'll make you feel a bit better," Esme said, handing me a glass.

I grasped the cup and chugged it, it was gone a few seconds later. I didn't feel much better.

"Your eyes are still black...each bag should have the exact amount of blood you need for the next few days... How about you have some more?

I gulped down another bag, it still wasn't enough.

"This isn't good." Carlisle explained, he looked puzzled.

"Ehh...why isn't that good?" I inquired

"Well, if you can never be satisfied with the amount of blood your drinking you will eventually begin to starve. You will lose your strength, and could possibly have moments of insanity." Carlisle explained.

"I can handle this... it'll be worth it for him. Besides like you said before it most likely won't be a full 9 months."

"We'll all be by your side darlin." Jasper reassured, kissing my cheek.

"I'll monitor you whenever I can, it seems they're already growing quickly." Carlisle said, gesturing down to my bump.

Over the next few weeks, my baby grew more and more, but I was beginning to get weaker. No matter how much blood I drank, nothing seemed to sedate me. The rest of the Cullens were on edge with Edward and Bella, and since Bella was finally a vampire, they couldn't trust them at all. They weren't around much but when they were Rosalie and Jasper seemingly stood guard for me. I was zoned out, laying in an armchair since I was beginning to get sick of sitting on the same couch when Esme interrupted my concentration.

"Fleur, Leah and Seth are here." She called out.

I sat up and smiled, gesturing for her to bring them in. Leah and Seth walked in carrying some wrapped boxes with them.

Esme walked in with them before giving a quick goodbye as she wanted to help Carlisle and Rosalie with collecting food for me.

"You two did not have to get me anything." I said.

"Look aunt Leah has to get my nephew something." She said a smile was on her face.

I opened the box, a stuffed wolf plushie was inside, a dreamcatcher was underneath the plushie.

"These gifts are great thank you!"

"No problem, I thought they would be nice."

"You are the only one who thinks it's a boy, everyone else thinks it's a girl."

"I trust your instincts." Leah shrugged before pulling up a chair and sitting next to me.

"So how are you Fleur?" Seth asked, he shuffled around in his place, his eyes were scanning for someone else.

"It's getting rougher now since he's growing so big but, I know it'll all be worth it in the end."

"Your eyes look really dark, aren't they suppose to be red?" Leah inquired.

"We're beginning to think he's half-vampire half-human, he has a heartbeat it's just slightly faster than usual humans. He's definitely drinking the blood I get."

"I heard what happens to vampires when they don't feed...it gets rough." Leah said rubbing my back comfortingly.

"I have my moments but, they haven't been too bad."

"Where's the rest of the Cullens?" Seth inquired.

"Hunting, Edward, and Bella don't show up much... they don't want me to have my baby. But the rest of the Cullen's are really supportive and Jasper is ecstatic about it." I rubbed my bump unconsciously.

"But how do you eat?" Leah asked, her eyebrows were furrowed.

"Carlisle and Rose get these bags of animal blood for me." I saw Leah sigh and Lean back against her seat.

"These vampires aren't so bad after all...I'm glad Seth found Bree... she seems nice." Leah smiled.

"Oh she really is, she didn't know what she was doing when she was turned... I'm glad we're able to help her."

"So... when do you think you'll give birth?"

"Carlisle said I could give birth in a week or two... It's nerve-wracking, it's so unpredictable."

"Hey, you'll be fine... I'll stay here for a bit if you need." Leah offered.

"That would be nice but, I don't want to put you through any trouble."

"It wouldn't be any trouble besides If Edward or Bella tries something... they're going to have to deal with me too."

I laughed but before I could say anything I could sense Edward and Bella coming in, but the others were still farther away.

"Great... now we got werewolves constantly coming in." Bella complained.

Seth and Leah looked up shocked.

"Bella... did you forget you were in a toxic, manipulative love triangle for a solid year with a werewolf... for a solid fucking year." I snapped back.

"Jacob doesn't talk to me anymore!" Bella roared.

"Good for him, he needs to move on." I said, Leah nodded in agreement.

"You always have to stick your opinion in don't you?" Bella said.

"Uhh... you walked in for 5 seconds are were already trying to start shit with me." I snapped, the rage in my body burned.

"Hey, don't you snap at my wife." Edward snarled, he started walking up to me slowly.

"Back off Edward." Leah warned, she seemed to feel how pissed off I was.

"Can it mutt."

"Edward... I've been starving for almost a month... don't try me."

"What can you do? You're frail, weak, impaired." Edward pushed, walking up in front of me.

"What in the fuck are you two still doing here? I mean... honestly, you both got what you wanted, Edward you got a mate, and Bella, you became immortal. If you can't stand the decisions we're all making then why don't you just leave?"

"Because we're protected, we're the feared Olympic coven... Who wouldn't want to stay here." Edward explained, he rolled his eyes as if it were obvious.

"Oh I see... you're using them, you're too unskilled to protect yourselves so why wouldn't you want to let everyone else do the work?" I said in fake shock, Leah and Seth began to chuckle.

"I'm not unskilled enough to protect myself from you." Bella smirked, joining Edward in front of me.

"...You two fucking try something I dare you because the way I've been feeling all month I fucking dare someone to mess with me. I growled standing up on my own, it was strange... it was like a new strength filled my body.

Leah came up in front of me and put an arm between us three.

"Just drop it you three... this isn't going to end well." Leah warned.

Edward smirked and then grabbed me, I quickly flipped him around and as I warned before kicked him through the glass wall.

I heard shuffling and turned around to see Leah holding Bella down with Seth helping her out. I turned back around to the window, I saw Edward lying on the ground with Dean, Alice, Esme, and Emmett looking up at me in shock. I saw Carlisle approach Edward, a deadly look was on his face.

"Damn short stack!" I heard three sets of feet running inside Jasper, Rosalie, and Bree came into the lounge room. Bree went to go help Seth and Leah with Bella.

"Darlin are you okay?" Jasper called toward me worryingly. I couldn't say anything however as that newfound strength had dissipated, and I clutched my head. Rosalie and Jasper rushed to me.

"That's it I can't stand those two anymore they have to get out of here!" Rosalie exclaimed, Jasper just nodded in agreement.

When I was sat back down in the armchair I decided to explain what happened. The rest of the Cullens came back in, Edward couldn't look me in the eyes now.

"So sweety, what happened?" Esme inquired.

"I was just sitting with Leah and Seth when Bella started complaining that Leah and Seth were here."

Bella tried to say something but Rosalie gave her a glare.

"I snapped at her I'll admit but... then Edward started coming up to me threateningly... but he then he said that he was just living with you guys because he was being protected... and long story short Edward grabbed me and I kicked him through the glass wall." I finished. I had never seen Carlisle or Esme so mad before.

"Is that true?" Carlisle inquired.

"But..."

"HE SAID IS IT TRUE!" Esme interrupted.

Edward bit down a growl before answering.

"Yes."

"You two can't come around here anymore...nor do you two belong to this coven." Carlisle demanded.

Bella gasped.

"What a second we can work something out..." She started.

"Look I'm not going to spend decades of you three fighting all the time... and personally, I'm personal want to keep the one I like." Rosalie sniped.

"Leave at once," Carlisle said.

Edward and Bella stormed out of the house and ran off. A thick silence overtook the air.

"Uh...sorry about the wall." Jasper shushed me before pulling me in for a kiss.

"You two okay?" He asked, rubbing my stomach.

"Oh yeah he's having a blast...you should've felt him, he was kicking up a storm. He's a fighter I can tell." I said smiling. Jasper curled up to me and rested his head on mine. I saw the Cullens as well as Leah and Seth glance at each other, leaving the room.

"You know, I can feel what emotions they feel," Jasper stated.

"Really? How is he feeling now?"

"They loves the sound of your voice, I can tell. They get so happy when they hear it."

I smiled fondly on my bump before rubbing it softly.

"I'm glad you love it, we both love you that's for sure..."

[ordinaryschmuck]

What I Thought About "Eda's Requiem" from The Owl House

Salutations, random people on the internet who certainly won’t read this! I am an Ordinary Schmuck. I write stories and reviews and draw comics and cartoons.

...

...

...HOW IS SEASON TWO SO GOOD?! WE'VE HAD SEVEN EPISODES SO FAR, AND EACH ONE OF THEM WAS A HIT!

Take "Eda's Requiem," for example. It's yet another episode where I have NOTHING bad to say about it! That's two weeks in a row where that happened! HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?!

HOW!

HOW!

...But anyways, "Eda's Requiem." It's another fantastic episode, and I'm about to dive into explaining how and why. Just keep in mind, it's gonna require spoilers to do so, so be wary of that as you keep reading.

Now, let's review, shall we?

WHAT I LIKED

Eda’s Checklist and Grom Photo: Within the first second, "Eda's Requiem" perfectly sets up Eda's central conflict in the episode. Despite spending years being on her own and looking after herself, she now has two kids that she's constantly caring over. Eda can try all she wants to say that she doesn't care, and I bet she has in the past. But given the hard work she's putting into getting King and Luz what they need and having a grom photo of the three of them together pinned in her mirror, it's pretty clear that those two knuckleheads wormed their way into her heart and are never getting out.

Eda’s Worried About King and Luz Leaving: And thus, that's precisely why something like this bothers her so much. Eda inadvertently adopted two rambunctious rapscallions (Yeah, I know. I'll get to it), so the idea of them not being around her anymore is going to be terrifying. That is a situation most parents, especially mothers, can identify with. It’s called empty nest syndrome and it proves just how much Eda loves Luz and King that she can't stand the thought of her babies leaving the nest. It's yet another well-made, wholesome, found-family moment that this series continues to excel at each week, making me extra excited for more like it to come...while also readying myself for heartbreak when one of them eventually does leave Eda.

Eda and Raine’s Music: Ok, I don't know the exact instruments that were played during this episode, but I also don't care because it was all (for lack of a better term) music to my ears. Every time Eda and Raine played resulted in melodies that are so beautiful and filled with so much emotion and feeling that I'm honestly tempted to listen to them again, multiple times, on repeat. Shows rarely do that for me, as background music doesn't always draw me in as much as lyrical songs do. Usually, it takes something so extraordinarily composed to give me the desire to listen again, and that's the case here. So huge congrats to Brad Breek for doing so. Seriously, the man's been killing it this season.

Eda’s Bard Magic Causing Things to Turn to Ash: This was assuredly a surprise side-effect of the curse. The fact that Eda can sort of do magic at all was its own shock. To then reveal that a specific type can do dangerous things to people and environments is...Well, it definitely brings up its own fair share of questions. Like, how can she do this? Will she do it again, one day? And are there other types of spells that can be negatively affected by Eda's curse? We don't get answers for any of these questions, and odds are, we never will. But that's alright with me. Because if a show makes me consider these many possibilities after a brief amount of time, it is a show that has to be doing something right. Even if I don't get the answers I want, the fact that it caused such a reaction makes me less willing to care.

Raine Whispers: Hey, would you look at that. Another fun, interesting, and compelling character added to the list of this shows' other fun, interesting, and compelling characters...how is this series so good at this!?

Joking aside, Raine's pretty good. I like Raine. They could have been this super serious leader who lost all their fun after years apart from Eda, but I'm glad that they're not. There are moments when Raine takes their job as leader of the BATs seriously, as one would, but I still prefer the fact that they kept a jovial nature despite how grim their situation is. It's an admirable trait to have, and it avoids the trope of making leader characters boring just because they're the ones who have to take things seriously.

Oh, and also, Raine's Disney's first non-binary character who has a stake in the plot. This is a tremendous deal, as you don't usually see that many non-binary characters in children's animation, let alone ones that hold importance to the story. So it's pretty cool for the writers to feature Raine, as it helps several kids feel as though they're finally seen and respected. And the fact that Disney of all companies gave the thumbs up is even more impressive. I hear people say that Dana Terrace should have pitched The Owl House to more progressive networks to avoid pushback, and while I absolutely see your point, I'll have to respectfully disagree. Disney is the largest entertainment industry of all time, so if you want to make LGBTQA+ representation normalized, you gotta stop making splashes and start making waves. Because if the same company that made three racist cats in the span of a few years manages to say that being gay is a-ok, then you know there's something wrong with you. Yes, Disney ended up screwing over the show anyway. But for that one moment, when kids felt pride after seeing a character like Raine, then, in the end, it's kind of worth it.

Also, if you're still having issues with more representation like this popping up in kids' shows, then allow me to redirect you to the complaint department.

...I made that post earlier today for this bit. YOU HAVE BETTER APPRECIATED IT!

Day of Unity is meant to be a Secret: At least, that's what I got when Raine stumbled over their own words. So if it's true, then I wonder why? Why does Belos want to keep the most critical change in the Boiling Isles a secret? Does he want to make it a surprise for his grateful subjects, or does he not want to spread worry and fear amongst the wild witches? It has to be something big if he doesn't want his followers to even say the words "Day of Unity." Whatever reason he has, we most likely won't know until the future. A future that I grow more and more afraid of each week.

Hooty Eating Echo Mouse: My heart sank in that brief moment when I thought that Hooty intensely screwed Luz over in getting back home. But looking back...it is pretty funny.

Just the suddenness of Hooty eating the poor creature that Luz desperately tried to earn its trust is priceless in how shocking it was. And also, Luz's expression.

That was the look of a young girl who immediately shoved her hand down an owl demon's throat the second the scene cut away. The Owl House may not always be a hit in the comedy department, but scenes like this prove that when it's funny, it is hilarious.

Luz and King Entering the Grand Prix: Not much to discuss here. It's just a cute subplot that adds frivolity to the intensity of what's going on through Eda and Raine's story. But I will say that I love how both stories occasionally interconnect with each other through the many moments of Eda being worried about King wanting to leave to find his father and avoiding any conversation about it. It helps both plotlines feel like they belong together, without being something like "Through the Looking Glass Ruins," whereas both stories could have been in their own episode. Which is neat.

How Bard Magic Works: I really love how this season is diving into how the other magic types work. More specifically, the ones that seem a little vague. I mean, stuff like healing, potions, and plants are easy to figure out, but what does it mean when a witch's talents are construction, beast keeping, and bard magic? We've been getting a lot of clearing up lately, with bard magic looking like a witch can control their environments and enemies through the power of music. Which is fair. Music is pretty powerful in the metaphorical sense, and I actually love that it's powerful in the literal sense when in the Boiling Isles.

The BATs: Not much to comment on these three either. The BATs have the potential to have an entertaining dynamic, but they do very little in this episode that I can't say much other than I hope they make a return in the future. But I will make this claim: Amber is my favorite. I'm sorry, but her screaming "You're not our mom!" to then go, "Bye, mommy Eda" is just too precious for me not to love.

I'm a simple man who falls for cute s**t. Leave me alone.

Raeda (RainexEda): Well, EdaxCamila, you were a fun crack ship while it lasted, but I'm afraid that this is now goodbye. The current canon has provided an incredibly adorable and believable relationship that I would be a monster not to support with my whole bi-heart. It's been real.

Ok, back in serious mode: I love these two together. Eda and Raine are grown-ups, and they still act all flustered near each other as if they were still Luz and Amity's age. It's definitive proof that you're never too old to get flustered near a crush, and seeing them interact adds a sense of wholesomeness when seeing them together as well as heartbreak when they're forced apart. Plus, we get confirmation that Eda's LGBTQA+! Whether she's bi, pan, or whatever, now that we know Eda can catch feelings for someone like Raine, it's yet another case that The Owl House is the most important series to the community. Because having the main character be queer is fantastic in its own right. But having the same apply to the motherly mentor figure? That's is an extra bit of normalization that anybody would be willing to appreciate.

Unique Guard Designs: Not many fans are going to appreciate this, primarily compared to everything else this episode does perfectly. For me, I actually like that you see a few Coven Guards looking differently from the others, as it helps make them less like clones and makes it seem like anybody of any body type could be a part of the coven.

Gus Looking Uninterested when Presenting Grand Prix with his Dad: I am positive that you didn't notice this (I didn't even notice it until someone else pointed it out), but there's something to dissect here. It hints that perhaps Gus isn't as interested in his father's field of work as one might think. If he did, he would look a lot less bored and much more excited to be helping Perry Porter present the race. It could just be the race itself, but judging from Gus' expression, it really seems like the kid would prefer to be anywhere but there. And why would he have that reaction to a race that his best friend is competing in? To me, this seems like an inkling of what Gus' relationship with Perry could be, which may not actually get time to shine, what with how little wiggle room the series has now (Thanks Disney). Regardless, it is interesting to notice, and it will certainly have fans thinking for a while.

Bump Being Smug of Luz Being in the Lead: That's it. Principal Bump looking smug as his human student is beating the students of his rivals is yet another moment that proves why Bump is easily the best cartoon principal.

Darius: First of all, this guy is f**king fabulous, and I love him. *Snaps*

Second, he is definitive proof that you do NOT want to f**k around with Coven Leaders. Lilith may have had her intimidating moments, but none of them compare to the guy who can turn himself into an abomination monster where only magic that hasn't existed before can take him down. It's genuinely scary to see Darius lose control, and I fear for the day when Luz inevitably ends up in his crosshairs.

With that said, Darius' still a ton of fun! He may be threatening, but he's just a flamboyant guy that hates the idea of getting his outfit the tiniest bit dirty. And I love that. I love that these Coven Heads have actual personalities instead of being generically evil. I consider it preferable to make villains entertaining rather than blatantly scary as I'll remember the personalities first and the villainous acts last.

Eberwolf: But this one's my favorite. I told you: I'm a simple man who gets easily swayed by cute s**t. And Eber? I mean, just look at her:

She's just a cute widdle rascal! I just want to pinch her cheeks, give her a belly rub, and--

...Eberwolf is not a cute widdle rascal. She is a strong, independent woman, and I will respect her as such from this moment forward...lest I feel her wrath.

That is all. Let's move on.

Eda and Raine Attempting a Final Performance: This was the best scene of the episode. It looked gorgeous, it shows the dedication Eda and Raine have for stopping Belos, and it says so much through so little. Go back and look at how Eda and Raine regard one another when performing Eda's requiem. Through their expressions and a few short words, you know they understand that if they complete the song/spell, they probably won't make it in the end. And yet, they don't care. They both know bad stuff will happen if Belos wins, so Eda and Raine put everything to the side, both their feelings for one another and the people they leave behind if it means putting an end to a tyrant. That level of dedication...Words can't fully describe how powerful that is.

Raine Sacrificing Themselves Instead: But in the end, Raine can't do it. Not when they know the life that Eda has and the people she'll be leaving behind. It's an extra bit of nobleness to the character seeing that Raine refuses to take away a woman from two kids who need her the most. A tad bit selfish, sure, knowing what Belos has planned. But when it comes to love, the romantic, familial, or platonic, the best decisions aren't always the logical ones.

Eda Crying: Luz crying tears me up, but seeing Eda cry is a whole different level of heartbreak. Like Lilith, Eda has her emotions locked up tight, with the closest she came to weeping were those two tears in "Young Blood, Old Souls." In "Eda's Requiem," she cries but almost quickly stops herself. As if she knows that doing so isn't going to save Raine. That is...even worse than seeing Luz break down after losing Eda. The fact that Eda refuses to give herself time to mourn losing someone she loved is tragic because crying is the most natural way of showing grief. Turning that off isn't healthy, and seeing her do it with little resistance is sad to me. It's sad to see a character I love can easily shut off all emotions despite how badly she may want to embrace them. It's one of those moments that, again, by doing so little, it shows so much.

“No one watches Crystal Balls anymore. It’s all about streaming.”: Oof. Even I felt that burn towards cable.

King’s Message: King's message was the pick-me-up I needed after the heart-wrenching sadness this episode put me through a few minutes ago. Seeing King say who he is and listing all the things he loves is nothing short of adorable. On top of that, I adore that Eda willingly recorded the whole thing. She may not want King to leave, but that doesn't mean she'll sabotage the one thing he wants. Especially not after Raine gave up everything so Eda could be with her kids. The opening scene may prove how much Eda cares about a rascal like King, but this heartwarmingly sweet moment reveals just how far she'll go to make him happy.

King’s Dad Reveal: ...ok, I'll be honest, I did not think we'd get that reveal this soon. Dumb of me to say, considering the number of times I've said that these writers don't waste time getting to the s**t, I know. But still, it's pretty cool knowing that King's dad is alive and well, added with the fact that we've got a fair idea of what he looks like. At this point, it's only a matter of time before we see him figure out where the Clawthorne residence is and witness the tear-jerking moments that will follow.

King Changing his Name to King Clawthorne: Not the official adoption I was expecting Eda to make...but DANG IT, is it still diabetes-inducing levels of sweetness!

Personally, I feel like the main reason why Eda breaks down this time is not only because she shouldn't be worried about King leaving her life, but also because Raine's sacrifice wasn't in vain. Her kids really do need Eda because no matter how far apart they'll be, she will always be a part of their life...dang it, I'm going to cry too!

What those Coven patches really do: Well...that was horrifying to see.

...Writers, if you kill off the best non-binary character in animation (it's a short list, I know), we are going to have PROBLEMS!

IN CONCLUSION

"Eda's Requiem" is--surprise surprise--another A+. The emotions hit hard, the representation hits harder, Raine is a fantastic addition to the cast, and it was all surprisingly cute at times. Season Two is currently on a hot streak, constantly winning with every episode that's come out so far. When a bad episode does eventually show up (IT'S GONNA HAPPEN!), I'll be sure to sing my requiem then. For now, I'm just gonna enjoy the ride.

[rpmemesbyarat]

RP Meme Lines from "AHS: Coven" Episode 10: "The Magical Delights of Stevie Nicks"

Drink this, it'll calm your nerves.

I'll cast a little spell for you.

I'm ashamed to show you my weakness.

I might have shed a tear or two myself if I'd lost everyone I had.

I'm over 300 years old.

Everyone I done ever met done followed after the Grim Reaper.

I taught myself long ago not to waste tears for the dead.

It's your kindness that has touched my soul.

I feel like I've been alone for so long, it's a relief to have found an equal. Even if that person come in the guise of an enemy.

We have so much to talk about. But not tonight.

Tomorrow we'll draw the battle lines.

Wake up. Your master calls.

Tonight's the night you pay me my due.

Not now. Please.

It's been a hard day.

Hard days deserve a harder night.

You drink my torment like wine.

Why you here in the house of your enemy?

I've come to seek a lasting truce.

I want what's coming to me.

It's the bargain you made so long ago.

You'll have to come back during visiting hours.

Mama's had a hard day.

Put the baby down on the ground and step away from it.

Don't mess with me.

I need this baby.

Put the goddamn baby down. Now!

I warned you.

I'll give you something to cry about.

He was determined to be a hero.

I should've seen it.

It's on me.

Ooh, he hated your ass.

You were my sworn enemy.

You hired him to kill me?

You're not just blind, you are willfully blind.

We don't have to waste our time with worker bees, what we have to do is to find the hive.

What a lovely shawl.

You keep your distance.

I know your game, lady.

Don't bother.

I've surrounded myself with the white spirit light to protect me.

I've already made plans on how to bring myself back.

Well, now why would I want to hurt you?

You can keep your powers.

I don't think you fully appreciate the power of the throne.

You are going to know the world, and what's more they are all going to want to know you.

You owe me five bucks.

Well, that was a morbid field trip.

You're not his type.

I know everything about you.

Did I get the shawl twirl right?

I want to get it right.

Perfect. It was perfect.

My powers are growing.

I can do mind control.

Put out that cigarette.

Now stick it in your vagina.

It was clearly my destiny to die and be reborn, just like our Lord and Savior.

Important men get their pictures taken.

We have to be smart about this.

They pray to one god-- a green, merciless god.

You're tainted.

You let them get inside your head.

We can fight about this for the next ten years, but right now I want to help you.

Don't you understand anything?

You can't help me.

You can't help anyone.

You're worthless, hopeless.

Get out of my sight.

Bring them to me in a weakened state.

She's selfish and she's a whore.

I didn't realize this before, but we can't survive on our own.

You don't have a mean bone in your body.

Maybe you're the kind of leader we need.

I want to say good-bye.

What is that hideous smell?

Clear all the bad spirits out of here.

It's not evil intentions that's making me sick.

We still got work to do.

What has she done to you?

I found love for the first time, and it's given me the passion to keep fighting.

You know the secret.

I don't think you're ready for that.

Tell me your secret.

I thought I was the shit back then.

I had just come into my prime, and my magic was strong.

I was pregnant, and I did not accept the idea of death.

I was invincible.

I come to you once a year, and you give me what I want.

I thought he meant some kind of sexual favors.

I wished for it; it came true.

Unknowingly, I made a deal forged in Hell.

You'd make a beautiful mother.

Children ain't in the cards for you.

Not my baby.

Take it back.

Take the spell back.

I can be mortal again.

Give the child to me.

I want my innocent soul.

What does he want?

Try and get some sleep now.

Just close your eyes and forget about that for now.

This kabob's some kind of tasty.

Thanks for treating.

Pretty soon, you'll be drowning in merch.

Merchandise. Swag. The cookies. You know.

You are cynical.

Everything's transactional.

Guy buys you dinner, he expects a blow job. Welcome to earth.

Players only love you when they're playing.

No, I know what you're trying to do. Mess me up, make me doubt myself.

You think I'm stupid because of where I came from.

Well, I'm not so easily bought, and I ain't that easily fooled.

You're right. I do think you're stupid.

You want to change my opinion?

Enchant these guys, would you?

You're powerful.

I'm powerful.

I don't need you.

I just want to be your friend.

Now lose that ugly shawl.

Stupid bitch.

Where's his body?

I think it's time for us to go.

She has to pay!

You have to be cleansed.

Could you please stop playing for a minute?

I need to focus.

Listen to the celestial tones.

What is that thing? It's hideous and weird.

Don't be a hater, dear.

I cannot tell you how playing this instrument soothes my soul in tempestuous times.

Nothing could soothe my soul.

You buck up, is what you do!

Face reality headlong and carry on.

I have no one, and my powers are gone.

Your salad dressing is absolutely magical.

Maybe you could bottle it.

You've got a lovely personality, and you're always well-groomed.

Are you trying to push me over the edge?

Between us chickens, no matter how hard I worked at it, I never felt special, either.

Look at me, I'm fabulous!

One never knows what the universe has in store for us!

I am an absolute failure.

I don't belong here anymore. I don't belong anywhere!

Vultures are waiting to strip the flesh from our bones.

You get our people on the phone.

Nobody is coming near us.

There's nothing natural about this.

It's time we finally deal with those witches.

You broke out the good stuff.

I don't want to die.

I am not the same as everyone.

I don't give a wet donkey's shit about your title.

I want terms defined.

The deal is off.

You have no soul.

Bum luck, baby.

I'll get my immortality.

I have no soul.

I'll just kill 'em all.

You always hear something.

You stole this baby to kill it.

You don't know what you talking about.

Eat my shit.

Now we'll have more cops on our trail.

Whose baby is that?

You have blood on your hands.

I barely remember my baby's face.

Stop making such a fuss.

I was very clear. No substitutions.

Be a sport.

Do I have to wear this outfit for all eternity?

Anywhere is better than here.

[bangtancentricsblog]

vampire MC x human Yoongi (aka the one where Mc and Yoongi are mates)

mentions of blood loss, killing of infants, parent death, vampires are cunts, also heavily unedited as all works are when I post

others

It'd been almost three months since you'd fed from Yoongi. His heart ached at your silent treatment of him. He'd smashed his phone after a month of you ignoring his calls and messages. He was a mess, blonde hair now showing the roots, eyes adorned with deep heavy purple bags from lack of sleep. The worst was that he'd wracked his brain for possible ideas on what he'd done wrong. He always came up with the same idea; you hadn't really loved him. Sure you'd begun dating under the rule that it was only so you could feed from him. But something had changed in you, some odd weeks later you'd taken less of his blood. Only feeding from him every Sunday, you still came around though often times just to hang out, go out, and sleep.

It was no wonder he'd grown accustomed to your presence in his apartment. It was during a feeding you'd taking a bit too much, so much so he'd weakly had to push you away as he pressed the silver ring on his finger into your arm. His barely coherent mind caught the sizzle from the silver making contact with your skin before you pulled away. Lips stained red, eyes wide once a beautiful shade of brown now glowing carmine. It faded in seconds your eyes quickly darting over his somewhat unconscious form lips trembling as your tongue wrapped around the abundant apologies fleeing your being. Your tongue felt heavy in your mouth as you realized what you'd done. You'd fled after sealing the wound and that was the last he'd seen of you.

Yoongi after so much time had made up his mind, he'd go to your house and get you to speak to him. He deserved an explanation, that was the least you could do. So he pulled on a jacket and headed out. His mind was so busy he'd made it there faster than he anticipated; and now stood before the door to the giant Victorian. A heaviness he hadn't felt before suddenly sat atop his shoulders with feet cemented to the ground. His game plan had been simple, show up, get an explanation, make up and then leave. Simple right? Except now it didn't seem like it. His heart hammered in his chest reminding him that he was in front of a house filled with vampires and he was very much human. So human in fact it took him promptly five minutes to finally notice that Jimin had been sitting just outside the front door. A small hesitant smile lining his lips that could turn any hetero man in an instant.

"Jimin, how long have you been there?"

"Long enough besides I knew you would come around sooner or later."

"Did you foresee this moment?"

"No, I'm just good at guessing games; and you forget I'm a half-blood. We don't get fancy powers like the pure bloods."

"Then how could you possibly know I was going to be over today? I'm here to talk to _____."

"I didn't. I assumed you would but I don't think it wise for you to be here."

"Why?"

"You do remember that you're human right? I mean how can one not realize their own mortality."

"Of course I know I'm human what does that have to do with _____? Is there something you're not telling me?"

"Hyung would kill me if he knew what I was doing. Lets take a little walk and while we're at it how about we have some story time."

"I'm not up for your crap right now. As your hyung I want to know where _____ is."

"In human years of course but I'm way older than you. Born in the 1400's, so that would make me a hyung by default no?" Yoongi sighed heavily watching as the young vampire stood, dusting off his jeans and casually walking down the steps.

"Your not allowed to see _____."

"Why not."

"She's gone on a rampage. So Hoseok had to lock her up to keep her safe."

"What do you mean by rampage?"

"You see pure bloods and half bloods differ only slightly. Half bloods are always from a vampire mother and human father. Pure bloods have both vampire parents except all vampire females are half bloods and all if not most males are pure bloods. Thus creating a pure blooded vampire such as Hoseok, and Jin. Namjoon and I are half blooded born from vampire mothers and human fathers. We're born with no special power, our fangs are shorter and appetite can be quenched with both human food and blood."

“So then what is _____?"

"She's a rare type of vampire. One of the few female pure blooded vampires in all existence."

"I don't understand just how many pure blooded female vampires are there?"

"In Korea, just two including _____. On the world, about 40 give or take."

"That number seems surprisingly low."

"Oh it is. The Vampire court usually keeps count of how many vampires consummate and spawn children. Those vampires belong to a smaller group called a coven and even smaller more family oriented clans. Our clan has tried our very best to keep _____ away from the watchful eyes of the Vampire Court."

"But why?"

"Pure blooded females are stronger in every manner. They'd easily outnumber vampire males 7 to 1 just like human females. Except instead of oppressing them like you humans do the vampire court eliminates them the day after their birth." Yoongi visibly recoils at the thought of killing babies, babies whom haven't done a single bad thing in their lives.

"It seems extreme to most and many clans are trying to fix this issue but we're not a democracy. Our entire existence is thanks to the monarchy, but just because they are stronger doesn't mean that they come without faults. _____ was born during a time where most were afraid to find out that their child was a female. We'd had some incidents where pure blooded females rampaged destroying entire towns and cities; so the court declared all female pure blooded babies be eliminated thereafter."

"So then how is _____ alive." Yoongi asked as he followed Jimin around the house and towards the forested area out back.

"_____ and I are distant relatives, hence the surname Park. Her mother was actually related to mine by some way or form. When her parents conceived they felt her automatically. Strange thing at that to be able to feel your child when she's so little just barely forming; but her mother did. So she reached out, and Hoseok came to stay with _____’s original clan keeping Namjoon and I updated. ____’s mother feared her daughters well being that she couldn't even see a doctor. So Hoseok had one brought in, one he knew could be trusted. That's when we met Jin. He'd stayed until _____ was born, unfortunately her mother died during childbirth. Her father had already agreed that Hoseok would take her and raise her as his own just like he'd done for Namjoon and I. Except he made Hoseok promise to fulfill his final wish."

"I don't even want to ask what that was."

"He asked Hoseok to burn down her estate. The rest of the clan was fine dying in the fire if it meant that _____would live. Hoseok gave us all a choice, die with the rest of _____ clan, keep this secret and stay in his clan or run with the fear that he'd find us and kill us if we ever mentioned her true heritage. It was a simple answer for all three of us; we'd been so enamored with her that we couldn't leave."

"Still doesn't answer how she went on a rampage." Yoongi pointed out.

"Your a fool to think that your special, but more a fool am I to not understand just how special you are to her. She's had human lovers before, and is the reason why we've chosen to only feed off animals. I've seen her slaughter entire towns because of her hunger for human blood. We keep her off it for her own safety; and she's been pretty good about it for a long time now. It isn't until she met you that she's begun to degenerate."

"Why's that?"

"Because you are her mate. The universe put you out in the world to be with her or be the end of her. All beings have a mate, human senses just aren't as fine tuned as the supernaturals. The day you met she knew, Hoseok made it so that she never went unescorted anywhere. We knew she snuck out just not where to, or who to. We knew she was feeding off something just not what exactly. She was always freshly cleansed smelling of fruits. Yet recently there was a stench that clung to her. Something foul and so pungent it would linger festering until the day she came home. Blood staining her clothes, tears clinging to her lashes and that crazed look in her eyes we'd all recognized."

"And that's why you locked her up."

"No, she asked us to. She begged us to do it, clung to Hoseok until he agreed. She's been here ever since."

"She chose this?"

"She did this for you, you are her mate just as she is yours. She'd do anything to keep you safe even from herself."

"Can I see her, I mean is it okay for me to see her?"

[operation-firecobraclaw]

"Don't be scared. I just need you to come with me for a minute."

Okay, so I cheated.  I’m using this dialogue prompt as a Sheith Month prompt too.  Anyway, I hope you enjoy this terribly self-indulgent vampire AU.  Kinda NSFW.

SHEITHMONTH DAY 3: Sandwich/Drinking

Shiro stood just outside of the room where Keith was being held, leaning back against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.  It had been nearly twenty-four hours since he’d brought him to the compound, and from what he could tell, Keith was still unconscious.  Shiro felt awful.  He could only imagine how confused and terrified – how hungry – he would be when he woke up.  He didn’t like having to keep him hidden in some dark and empty room, but the fewer people who knew about this, the better.

Besides, if Shiro had any say in it, Keith wouldn’t stay like this for long.

Rolo walked down the corridor toward him, a smirk upturning his lips.  “The council isn’t thrilled with you right now.  You know it’s forbidden to turn anyone they don’t explicitly approve of.”

“I’m aware,” Shiro said, not bothering to look in his direction.  He lifted his head when he heard sounds coming from inside of the room – frantic shuffling, heavy breathing, a fading heart beat…  “Did you bring what I asked?”

“Fresh from the lab.”  Rolo reached into his coat pocket and produced a vial of transparent green liquid.  He tossed it to Shiro who caught it deftly with one hand.  “So, what, you don’t want your pet to turn?”

“He’s not my–” Shiro shook his head and exhaled a deep breath through his nose, refusing to take the bait.  His relationship with Keith had been the main topic of conversation throughout the coven for months, and it drove him crazy.  Nobody could seem to wrap their head around how Shiro could be with a human.  The council had also been wary of Keith knowing Shiro’s true nature, threatening to dispatch him if he turned out to be a threat.  Shiro, outwardly, agreed to their terms – internally, he swore to kill them all of they ever laid a hand on him.  Glancing at Rolo from the corner of his eye, he muttered, almost begrudgingly, “Thanks for your help.”

Rolo shrugged, turning to take his leave.  “Don’t mention it.  It’s enough to see you give a big ‘fuck you’ to the council.  Hope they don’t chew your ass too hard.”

Shiro watched him round the corner before unlocking the door, cautiously pushing it open just wide enough for him to squeeze through.  The strip of light from the hallway cut into the darkness, and Shiro found Keith curled up in the corner of the room, nearly still as stone.  Guilt twisted sharply at his insides.  How could he let this happen?  Hunters had been tracking him for months; he should have known they’d be keeping tabs on Keith, too.  They nearly killed him trying to get to Shiro.

Well – they were dead now.

“Keith?” he called softly to him.  When he didn’t get a response, he slowly crossed the room, wishing not to frighten him more than he already was.  “Keith, hey.  It’s me – Shiro.”

As Shiro drew near, Keith lifted his head, just enough to peek through his tousled bangs.

“Don’t be scared,” Shiro whispered, leaning down and holding out his hand to him.  “I just need you to come with me for a minute, okay?  I’m going to get you out of this room now, bring you somewhere a little more comfortable.”

He didn’t care who saw them; he wasn’t keeping Keith in this room any longer.

For a moment, Keith just stared at his hand before shifting his gaze to meet Shiro’s, his eyes widening in recognition. “Takashi…?” His voice was reduced to a quiet whimper that made Shiro’s heart ache.  Keith slowly reached up then, taking his hand and making a weak attempt to pull himself up.

“It’s okay, baby, I got you,” Shiro hushed, carefully sliding one arm beneath his knees and the other behind his back before lifting him gently from the floor.  He held Keith close against his chest and listened to his heart beat.  They didn’t have much time.  Keith needed to feed or be cured, and he only had a few hours to decide before nature took its course.

~

“No.”

“What do you mean ‘no’?”

“I’m not doing it.”

“Keith, do you understand what will happen if you don’t?”

They were in Shiro’s quarters, sitting beside each other on the edge of the bed he hardly ever used.  Even in his weary state, Keith managed to look as defiant and stubborn as ever, folding his arms across his chest and locking his gaze onto Shiro’s.  “I understand perfectly, Shiro.  Are you seriously asking me to stay human, even if that means having my memory wiped by the council?  Do you want me to forget you?”

Shiro shook his head. “No, no, of course I don’t want that, Keith, but… this life, it’s– I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, especially not someone I…”

“Someone you what?”

Yes, because telling Keith you love him will definitely convince him to stay human.  “Nothing, nevermind,” he muttered, dragging a hand down the bottom half of his face.  

“You might be afraid to say it, but I’m not.  I love you, Shiro, and there’s no way in hell I’m about to forget you,” Keith declared with fiery resolve despite the pallor in his features.  He reached out and took Shiro’s hand, tracing his thumb across his knuckles.   “Besides,” he said quietly, a weak smile pulling at his lips.  “Living forever with you doesn’t seem so bad.”

Shiro felt a warm wave of affection wash over him, and he saw no other choice but to yield to Keith’s wishes.  Gently, he pressed a hand against Keith’s chest, coaxing him to lie back before leaning over him, trapping him against the bed.  “Forever is a long time, Keith,” he whispered, his eyes searching the young man’s face, falling to his parted lips.

“I know,” he said quietly, raising his head to steal a soft kiss for himself.  His throat twitched as he swallowed.  “Takashi… I’m… I’m so thirsty.”

There was no going back after this.  Once Keith drank Shiro’s blood, he would cease to be human – but it was what Keith wanted, and in his own selfishness, he almost felt relieved.  Instead of losing Keith altogether, he would have him forever… and forever with Keith didn’t seem so bad at all.  Shiro bit into his own wrist, creating a big enough wound for a constant flow of blood.  “Open your mouth, baby,” he urged, and he held his wrist up as Keith followed his instructions

Shiro watched as the warm, crimson liquid dripped over his lips and onto his tongue.  It wasn’t long before Keith took hold of Shiro’s arm and drank directly from the wound, smearing his face red with blood.  His eyes slid closed as he suctioned his lips around the fissures in his skin, drinking more deeply now.

“That’s it, baby, you’re doing so good,” Shiro crooned, stroking a hand through his hair.  He could feel his strength beginning to wane, but it was worth it to have Keith regain his.  When Keith furrowed his brow and opened his eyes, Shiro could see an apology in them.  He only chuckled and shook his head.  “It’s okay, Keith.  Drink your fill.  I’ll be fine.”

After a few more deep gulps, Keith let his head fall back against the bed as he gasped for air, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths.  

“How do you feel?” Shiro asked, grazing the back of his fingers against his cheekbone.

It seemed to take a moment for Keith to collect his thoughts – normal for a newborn vampire whose physiology and psyche were rapidly changing by the minute.  When he spoke, he looked slightly embarrassed, “I, uh… Is it… Fuck, is it normal to feel really aroused?”

“Very normal after feeding,” Shiro answered through a soft chuckle.  He kissed him then – it was a hungry, feverish kiss that drew a soft moan from Keith’s lungs, and the sound of it sent a warm rush through Shiro’s body.  It didn’t take long for clothes to be tugged off and thrown to the floor, for the room to be filled with sounds of ecstasy and the scent of sweat and blood.

Between gasping breaths, Keith asked, “Forever… Right?”

Shiro closed his eyes, losing himself in Keith as he pressed his forehead to his and swore to him, “Forever.”

[punkscowardschampions]

Grace & Janis

Grace: Did you even tell anyone you were staying out?? 🤔🤔 Janis: Did YOU warn the fam you were inviting the devil inside? 🤔🤔 Grace: Rude! Grace: Someone woke up on the wrong side of the barista's bed Grace: OMG is he that bad? How shaming Janis: Wouldn't you all love to know Grace: Like you would anyway, you don't have anything to compare him too Janis: Again, you wish you knew Janis: but yes, I text them Janis: that it? Grace: Oh honey, we ALL knew you were a virgin Grace: Did he? Grace: Before you made it obvious, I mean Grace: You should have come home first, me & the girls could have helped you out Janis: It's cute Janis: all the things you THINK you know Janis: yeah, that'd be fun Janis: Mia must've dropped the invite on her way out Janis: with the story, likw Grace: 🙄🙄 Grace: girl please Grace: Mia'll get over it Grace: Unlike ME! You could've told me! Janis: Get over herself? Janis: Unlikely Janis: Told you what? Grace: OMG how hungover are you!? Don't be dense Grace: THE GOSSIP obvs Grace: I have to hear it from Mia Grace: so UNACCEPTABLE Janis: It's gossip 'cos she made it Janis: as if I had a chance to tell you or anyone, even if I wanted, when she went live with it Grace: There's always time to give me the real story Grace: You've got a phone Grace: Look how quick you answered this morning 🙄 Janis: 'Cos I thought you might have some real concern Janis: shoulda known better Grace: I AM concerned bitch Grace: you could be in a ditch Janis: Yeah, new boy's a serial killer Janis: this ain't the CW Grace: I didn't even know you were with HIM, did I? Grace: You never tell me anything Janis: Now who's being dense Janis: 1+1=2 Grace: Excuse me for having a nun for a sister Grace: Usually Janis: Again Janis: get a clue Grace: OMG Grace: I'm trying Janis: Bless 💕 Grace: Are you coming home TODAY? Janis: Are the coven gone Grace: I wouldn't bother asking if they hadn't Grace: I'm not stupid Janis: Probably then Janis: I got stuff to do Grace: One of them better be 🚿 Grace: Whelan's is soooooooo gross Janis: Not like you've ever got inside to know Grace: It's not like I want to Grace: like I said, ew Janis: Not with that baby face 😂 Grace: Shut up Janis: Like I said, bless Grace: I hate you so much Grace: This is what I get for being nice Janis: Nice Janis: Where? Grace: This WHOLE convo Grace: From the moment I checked you were still alive Grace: & I defended you last night GOD KNOWS why Janis: Shouldn't have to Janis: if your friends weren't cunts you wouldn't be in such a mood Grace: You're the only one being a bitch to me, Janis Grace: Newsflash Janis: Nah Janis: I'd have to be interested for that Grace: Yeah we KNOW you're only into barista boy Janis: Why would I be interested in anything you're doing Janis: it's them with the fucked priorities for giving a shit Grace: OMG get over yourself Grace: getting one boy to sleep with you doesn't make you God's gift Grace: 🙄🙄 Grace: Like I told you before, he'll get bored Janis: You first Janis: Like I told you before, get a hobby Janis: pass it on Grace: Whatever Grace: Don't come crying to me when he realises how much of a bitch you are Janis: 😰 Janis: Don't come to me when you grow a backbone and/or personality of your own Janis: still won't be interested Grace: I already have both thanks Janis: 👌 Grace: 👋 Janis: Cute 😂 Grace: At least one of us is Janis: Sick burn Janis: If only someone that weren't Mia thought so, eh babe? Janis: Sad times 💔 Grace: Take your own advice and get a clue Janis: 😂 #exposed Janis: get some self-esteem Grace: You need it more Grace: Letting that boy use you like this....tragic Janis: I'm God's gift, remember Janis: Can't have it both ways baby Grace: I said you think you are Grace: Not that he does Janis: SELF-esteem, Gracie Janis: not 'this boy would chuck it up me from behind' esteem Janis: poor thing Grace: Faking having it doesn't mean you really do, hun Grace: We can all flex on the snap Grace: You're honestly so embarrassing Janis: I don't need facetune to flex Janis: no filters gonna fix all...that 💋 Grace: You DO need it, you just don't USE it Janis: Nah, I don't though Janis: tragedy Grace: Sure Jan Grace: Keep telling yourself that, babes Janis: You keep telling yourself Janis: can't talk someone into feeling as bad as you do Janis: let your bestie in on the secret and maybe you'll both stop being such poisonous little trolls 💕 Grace: 😂😂😂 Grace: You wish Grace: Can't be bullied without a bully, but you're not that important to Mia 💔 Janis: Oh no Janis: not queen Mia Janis: suck her dick a lil better and she might love you back Janis: story of your life though, that 🤷 Grace: You're actually disgusting Grace: Save it for your boyfriend, I'm sure it makes him really 😍😍😍 Janis: Yeah, and I'm the Nun Janis: the swings and roundabouts you have to go on to make me the bad guy Janis: no wonder you're braindead 😵 Grace: Yeah sure 🙄 Grace: I don't have to say things to cover up the fact I don't know what I'm doing Grace: You sound 12 Janis: Lie of the year goes to Janis: that's all that comes out your mouth Janis: fuck what's going in it 😂 Janis: I'm glad I don't like you, it'd be exhausting having to pity you as hard as is needed Grace: Again, you wish Grace: You tell me to get a hobby, you make the same 'argument' over and over again Janis: it ain't an argument Janis: irrefutable facts Janis: don't like it, change it up Janis: we all got bored a long time ago Grace: Exactly, it isn't, it's you trying to throw shade TERRIBLY Grace: You don't know a single fact about me, babe Grace: Clearly you don't like THAT if you have to keep pretending you do Grace: Hm? Sounds like me with his convo Grace: Don't you have a boy getting bored rn? You might wanna focus on that Janis: Nothing to know Janis: Shadow of a shadow Janis: Literally how are you the blandest granola ass bitch outta the lot and they're all white as hell Janis: not even earning them mixed points, it's a real talent how uninteresting you are, truly Janis: tutorial on that, please Grace: 😂😂😂😂 Grace: But you're STILL talking to me instead of him Grace: What's the matter? Not everything you hoped it'd be? So sad Janis: I got more than one braincell Janis: can talk about put mascara on Janis: though the memes of you failing in your last vid have been amusing, tah for that Grace: You should try doing it Grace: Obvs you need more that mascara but every little helps Janis: Not with a face like that Janis: but you know, more is more and it almost constitutes a mask at this point Grace: 👏👏👏 Janis: There you go, now when you cry like a little bitch about it, you've got reason beyond your victim complex Janis: welcome ✌ Grace: MINE? You're the one who thinks that we're so invested in your little love story that we're all out for sabotage Grace: Please Janis: You know you can see when people watch your stories, yeah? Janis: she was like, the first view Janis: so much for not being important, don't worry, I won't steal your girl Grace: She's mad 'cause you outshined her coffee date moment Grace: Like I said, she'll get over it Janis: Should stop making herself vom Janis: wreaks havoc on your natural glow, but that's neither here nor there Grace: And she's the evil one Grace: That's not funny or true Janis: Cry me a river Janis: not gonna if she kills herself making herself look even worse than her personality Grace: OMG STOP Grace: You're as bad as she is Grace: Obsessed with each other 🙄 Grace: Get a room or something Janis: Awh, wanna be BFFs then?! Janis: 😏 Grace: Shut up Grace: I'd rather be the one who dies Janis: Didn't think so Grace: The first thing you've got right this whole time Grace: Well done, babes Janis: I ain't the one in remedials with the rest of the thickos Grace: Stop calling me stupid Janis: Any time you fancy stopping Janis: be my guest Grace: And what? Be more like you? 😂 Janis: You wish Janis: Be less braindead, would be a start Grace: YOU wish Grace: Caring about what I look like doesn't make me braindead Grace: It makes you a judgey bitch Janis: Yeah, that's the issue Janis: look like Sephora threw up on your face all you want Janis: at least be a person with it, not a painted fuckdoll Grace: So sorry I can't get top marks in maths or whatever OMG Janis: 🔬 Grace: I don't even know what you're talking about now Janis: Just trying to find your last surviving braincell Grace: Find it with the last place you cared about anything Janis: 🔭 Janis: Nope Janis: no signs of life Janis: soz Grace: So glad I could make you feel better about your crap shag by insulting me Grace: But I'm the idiot 👌 Janis: Awh, don't do yourself down Janis: never let it be said you don't have your uses Grace: I'm not here to be used by you, hun Grace: Deal with that Janis: Just a cumdump and Mia's personal bitch Janis: coolio 👍 Grace: Says you Grace: You've known that boy for like a day Grace: & Mia's more concerned with you right now, like I said Janis: 😱 Janis: Are you SLUT SHAMING me Janis: dundundun Janis: know you're 💔 but babes, girl code Grace: I'm stating a fact Grace: You think you're better than me, you aren't Janis: You think I am Janis: I just don't disagree, that's all Grace: I think you're the worst person this family has so far produced Grace: But whatever you need to tell yourself Janis: A dagger through my heart Janis: good thing you've got no place then init Grace: Yeah Grace: Bad enough I have to have the same last name as you all Janis: Marry the first boring white boy who will settle for you and no one ever need know Grace: And follow in your footsteps? No thanks Janis: You couldn't fill these shoes, figuratively and literally Grace: I don't want to Grace: You dress worse than your boyfriend Grace: At least he gets paid to look like that some of the time Janis: as much as I'd LOVE to look like topshop's sale rack Janis: you rinse 'em every time, what's a girl to do Grace: Obvs Grace: It's all my fault you look a state Janis: I don't, so don't trouble yourself Grace: You do, but I won't Janis: Mia don't seem to think so 😘 Grace: She hates you, that's her obsession Grace: Keep looking like that, it fuels her Janis: What, the body she's actually killing herself for? Janis: Will do and it's so effortless Grace: 🙄🙄 Grace: I'm the one who needs a hobby and is soooo uninteresting but you keep talking about Mia cos that's really not Grace: Go into her inbox, please Janis: Like I said, get a personality and we might stand a chance Janis: surgically remove yourself or are you less of a Siamese and more parasite? Grace: Sure, I'll turn myself into her so you can be obsessed with me Grace: You two are ridiculous Janis: 😂😂 Janis: Oh honey Janis: you clearly can't, been trying for years Grace: You wish Grace: Does your boyfriend know you're in love with my best friend? Grace: You might wanna share before he catches feelings Janis: Do you know your best friend kinda hates you? Janis: 😬 too late for you, awkies Grace: Rn the feeling is mutual Grace: Get over it Jan-Jan Janis: 💔 Janis: You'll get over it Janis: well, she'll walk over you, doormat Grace: Like you care Grace: either way Janis: What's the point Janis: You're never going to Grace: I care bitch Janis: You're never going to stand up to her Janis: Why should I be waiting on it with baited breath Grace: You've never waited on me Grace: Don't act like it's Mia's fault Janis: It ain't, it's yours Janis: she's a decent scapegoat though Grace: Again, you wish Grace: Nothing's all my fault, sorry about it Janis: Trust, no part of me wishes for you as my sister Janis: especially what you've become Grace: That makes two of us Janis: You said Janis: with all the care and concern you're claiming Grace: I do care, I just wish I didn't Grace: and that you weren't my sister Janis: Get over it Grace: You can try and tell me what to do as much as you like Grace: Not gonna happen Janis: I know, you're hopelessly pathetic Janis: like I said, no baited breath here Grace: Me? Oh babes Grace: Like I said, tragic Janis: Yeah, you Grace: 😂 Janis: 😥