#《 even if her relationship with them is purely Transactional 》

[fangdokja]

Which other yan blogs do you like the most? Got any recs? ❤️

From Smut to Storytelling: A Comprehensive Guide to Tumblr’s Yandere Content Creators

♡ Book 5. Ink & Insight (I&I): From Dead Dove to Daydreams.

Since I focus on high-quality, impactful works, I will not be including every blog I’ve ever read but rather those that have stood out over time. My goal is to provide a strategic breakdown of each blog’s strengths and key appeal points for different reader preferences.

Before proceeding, it’s important to note:

These recommendations are specific to Tumblr. If you are looking for erotic horror or truly intense horror narratives with a realistic risk of death or severe, permanent consequences for the protagonist, I recommend exploring AO3 instead. Even then, such content remains scarce, which is why I primarily create my own.

I do not engage in networking. My interactions with content creators and readers are purely based on personal enjoyment, and I do not expect or seek anything in return. My reviews are not influenced by personal relationships or mutual support. These are purely objective evaluations of writing and engagement styles.

Every blog has its strengths and weaknesses. While I focus on strengths here, I am aware of areas where improvement is possible. However, I refrain from sharing critiques unless requested, as my primary intent is to highlight what each blog excels at.

Best Blogs for Socialization, Networking, and Friendliness

For those looking to engage with friendly, social, and network-oriented yandere content creators, two blogs stand out:

@yandere-romanticaa

@suiana

These two blogs offer distinctly different yet complementary approaches to social interaction, content creation, and audience engagement. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of their strengths, characteristics, and what to expect from them.

1. @yandere-romanticaa – The Genuine, Passionate Creator

Social and Networking Strengths

Most Genuine Approach to Networking: Unlike many content creators who network primarily for exposure, @/yandere-romanticaa engages with others purely for enjoyment and natural connection. There is no sense of transactional networking or expectation of mutual benefit. Her interactions with both authors and readers appear completely sincere.

Balanced Communication: She interacts regularly with her audience without overwhelming them. The communication is neither excessive nor lacking, making her blog an ideal space for both active and passive engagement.

Warm but Not Overbearing: While welcoming and social, she does not force interactions. Her friendliness feels natural rather than performative.

Content and Writing Approach

Fandom-Centric Yandere Writing: Unlike many yandere-focused blogs that primarily produce original content, she focuses on fandom-based yandere writing, including characters who are not commonly explored.

Writes for Herself, Not for Trends: She does not chase popularity or tailor content for mass appeal. Instead, she creates what she enjoys, which results in more genuine, passion-driven content.

Diverse Character Selection: Some of her chosen characters are lesser-known or underrepresented in yandere content, offering a fresh perspective for readers seeking variety.

Overall Blog Atmosphere

Welcoming and Comfortable: The atmosphere is inviting to both new and returning readers. While she does not engage in forced networking, she remains open to discussions and interactions.

Relatable and Transparent: Many readers, even those with serious personalities, may find aspects of her self-expressive content relatable.

Consistent but Not Overly Structured: While her blog has a general sense of organization, it does not follow an overly rigid structure. This flexibility allows for a more relaxed experience.

Who Should Follow?

Those looking for a genuine and friendly content creator who interacts naturally.

Readers who enjoy fandom-based yandere content, whether mainstream or lesser-known characters.

Those who appreciate creators who write for themselves rather than for engagement metrics.

2. @suiana – The Chaotic, Lighthearted Entertainer

Social and Networking Strengths

High Engagement and Accessibility: @/suiana actively interacts with her audience in a way that feels casual and approachable. Her blog has a similar social dynamic to @/tonycries, making it ideal for those who enjoy an open and relaxed community.

Effortlessly Humorous and Entertaining: Her approach to audience interaction is playful and unpredictable. She does not follow a traditional structure when engaging with readers, which results in a unique and entertaining social experience.

A "Laughter to the Soul" Experience: Unlike many yandere content creators who focus on darker themes, her presence is lighthearted, often comedic, and unpredictable in a way that feels refreshing rather than forced.

Content and Writing Approach

Chaos-Driven, Unstructured Content: While some authors adhere to strict formatting and structured writing, @/suiana embraces spontaneity. The lack of rigid consistency in her writing reflects her personality—free-spirited, lively, and unfiltered.

Meme Culture Integration: A significant portion of her content is influenced by meme culture, making it more digestible and engaging for casual readers.

Light and Easy-to-Consume Yandere Content: Rather than producing heavy, deep psychological yandere narratives, her content leans toward entertainment and humor, making it ideal for those who want something less intense.

Overall Blog Atmosphere

Informal and Fun: The atmosphere is chaotic yet welcoming, making it suitable for readers who enjoy casual interactions without pressure.

Highly Interactive: She frequently engages with her audience, creating a dynamic space where interactions feel personal rather than distant.

Unstructured but Authentic: The unpredictable nature of her content means that followers never know what to expect, adding to the blog’s charm.

Who Should Follow?

Readers who enjoy humor, chaos, and lighthearted yandere content.

Those who prefer highly interactive blogs that engage directly with the audience.

People who don’t mind lack of structure and enjoy spontaneous, unpredictable content.

Conclusion

Both @/yandere-romanticaa and @/suiana offer unique and engaging experiences, but their styles cater to different audiences.

If you prefer a genuine, naturally social creator who focuses on fandom-based yandere content, @/yandere-romanticaa is the ideal choice. She does not network for clout but engages sincerely with others, making her blog a strong recommendation for those seeking real interactions.

If you enjoy chaotic, lighthearted, meme-filled, and interactive content, @/suiana provides an experience similar to @/tonycries but with her own quirky twist. Her blog thrives on humor, making it an entertaining space for casual engagement.

Ultimately, both blogs offer friendly and welcoming environments, making them excellent recommendations for those looking to connect with others in the yandere community. The best choice depends on whether you prefer structured fandom yandere writing with organic socialization or spontaneous, humorous, and highly interactive content.

Best Blogs for Long-Form Content and Committed Readers

For those who appreciate long-form storytelling, detailed character studies, and in-depth analysis, two standout blogs in the yandere community are:

@darkbluekies

@cinnamonest

These blogs offer rich, immersive content that rewards committed readers willing to invest in well-developed narratives and detailed exploration of character psychology. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of their strengths, writing approaches, and the overall experience they provide.

1. @darkbluekies – The Classic Long-Form Storyteller

Core Strengths:

Long-Form Narrative Structure: Unlike many yandere blogs that focus on short drabbles or rapid content bursts, @/darkbluekies prioritizes fully developed storylines. This allows for deeper immersion and a stronger emotional impact, making her work well-suited for those who prefer slow-burn narratives rather than quick gratification.

Character-Driven Stories: A major highlight is the focus on characterization. The characters feel like actual people rather than plot devices, which is a testament to strong writing. Silas, in particular, is a great example of a well-developed yandere whose actions are dictated by internal logic rather than mere trope execution.

Commitment to Depth: Her approach allows the plot to "simmer," which is a major strength for those who enjoy binge-reading after the buildup. The detailed nature of the writing ensures that when events unfold, they feel meaningful rather than rushed.

Consistency in Writing Quality: The prose is polished and demonstrates a commitment to careful execution rather than surface-level writing. There is no reliance on shock value or overused tropes without justification; instead, every element is deliberately placed for effect.

Ideal Audience:

Readers who prefer slow-burn yandere fiction with fully realized characters rather than instant gratification.

Those who enjoy structured, thought-out narratives over quick headcanons or one-off scenarios.

Readers who prefer to binge-read rather than consume sporadic short content.

Why It Stands Out:

Many yandere blogs prioritize high-volume output, focusing on quick drabbles or low-investment posts. @/darkbluekies, in contrast, values long-term engagement and immersion, making her blog ideal for those looking for deeper storytelling rather than surface-level content.

2. @cinnamonest – The Analytical Dark Smut Specialist

Core Strengths:

In-Depth Character Analysis: This is arguably the most valuable feature of the blog. @/cinnamonest takes a methodical, research-based approach to yandere characterization, deconstructing characters from multiple angles while ensuring their portrayals remain as accurate as possible to their original source material.

Comprehensive Character Profiles: Unlike general fandom posts, which often apply a one-size-fits-all approach to yandere characterization, her work focuses on precise and well-reasoned breakdowns. These analyses are particularly useful for understanding how different characters would realistically behave as yanderes without distorting their personalities.

Dark Smut & Psychological Depth: While she does write fanfiction—including dark smut—it maintains the same level of intellectual engagement and structural integrity as her analysis work. The psychological depth in these works makes them feel purposeful rather than just shock-driven or formulaic.

Commitment to Accuracy: Many blogs impose personal interpretations on characters that contradict their canon traits. @/cinnamonest instead grounds her assessments in the actual source material, making her blog one of the most objectively reliable when it comes to character-based discussions.

Ideal Audience:

Readers who enjoy analysis and intellectual breakdowns of yandere characters rather than just surface-level tropes.

Writers who want to study character profiles and deepen their understanding of yandere psychology.

Readers who appreciate accurate, well-thought-out interpretations of characters as yanderes rather than generic fanon distortions.

Why It Stands Out:

There are very few yandere blogs that take an analytical approach rather than an emotional or trope-based one. @/cinnamonest bridges critical analysis and fan engagement, offering content that is both intellectually satisfying and narratively compelling.

Conclusion: Two Different Strengths, One Common Thread

Both @/darkbluekies and @/cinnamonest excel in long-form, immersive, and substantial content, but they serve different purposes:

@/darkbluekies is the go-to for structured narrative-driven yandere fiction, where storylines and characters are developed over time.

@/cinnamonest provides analytical depth, offering breakdowns of yandere characters with objective accuracy and structured thought.

For readers who value long-form engagement, well-constructed narratives, or intellectual analysis, these two blogs are among the best options.

Blogs with the Best Overall Writing Quality (Plot, Style, Pacing, and Timing)

⭐Fang Dokja's Personally Fav Fanfic Blogs: @/yanderenightmare & @/yanderedrabbles

In assessing the best overall writing in terms of plot structure, writing style, pacing, and timing, two Tumblr blogs stand out:

@yanderenightmare

@yanderedrabbles

Both of these blogs consistently deliver short, impactful, and highly engaging content that makes them ideal for readers who prefer bite-sized, yet immersive yandere fanfiction.

While long-form writing is a different experience, short-form content requires a precise balance of storytelling, character impact, and pacing efficiency. These two blogs excel in this area, maintaining quality while keeping stories digestible.

These blogs excel in concise, well-crafted stories with strong pacing, making them ideal for readers who prefer high-impact short-form content.

1. @yanderenightmare: The Gold Standard of Organization & Precision

1. Blog Organization & Readability

Among all the Tumblr fanfiction blogs, @/yanderenightmare has the cleanest and most structured format. This is a highly underrated strength, as blog clutter can significantly affect readability, ease of access, and long-term engagement.

Separation of reblogs from main content: Unlike many fanfiction writers who mix reblogs, asks, and external discussions into their main page, @/yanderenightmare keeps everything separate. Readers searching for purely original content will not have to filter through unrelated posts, ensuring a smooth reading experience.

Minimal wasted space: Every post has a clear function—whether it's a story update, an announcement, or a clarification ask. There is no unnecessary filler or excessive personal discourse that disrupts the content flow.

Content-focused approach: This kind of tight content curation is rare, making her blog the most efficient for readers who want to consume content without distractions.

2. Strength in Timing, Pacing, and Narrative Flow

A major factor that makes @/yanderenightmare’s writing stand out is her precision in story delivery. She has an innate sense of pacing and timing, knowing exactly when to introduce tension, escalate conflict, and deliver resolution—all within a short-form format.

No wasted words: Every line contributes to either character development or plot advancement, making her writing compact yet immersive.

Worldbuilding without unnecessary exposition: She manages to incorporate background details and setting depth without long-winded explanations, making the stories more engaging.

Impactful endings: Short-form writing requires a strong conclusion, and she consistently delivers memorable final lines that leave a lasting impression.

3. Classic Yandere Characters & Entertaining Worldbuilding

Beyond pacing and organization, her characters have a classic appeal that resonates with hard dom, non-con yandere fans. While shorter stories often limit depth, her characters remain vivid and recognizable through subtle but effective characterization.

Classic yandere themes executed well (possession, control, obsession).

Balanced mix of worldbuilding and action, ensuring that even shorter works feel immersive.

Distinctive writing voice that sets her apart in the genre.

For readers who prioritize clean blog organization, strong pacing, and an engaging, distraction-free experience, @/yanderenightmare is the best choice.

2. @yanderedrabbles – The Titan of Short-Form Yandere Fiction

Strengths in Writing and Story Execution

Pioneer in Short-Form Yandere Fiction: @/yanderedrabbles is widely recognized as one of the most well-known and respected short-form yandere fanfiction blogs.

Perfectly Executed Bite-Sized Content: Each piece is designed to be short yet immersive, making her works ideal for on-the-go reading without sacrificing quality.

Strong Narrative Cohesion in Limited Word Count: Despite the brevity, her stories manage to maintain solid plot structures, clear character motivations, and immersive tension, which is difficult to achieve in short-form writing.

Content and Writing Approach

Easily Digestible Stories Without Excessive Complexity: Unlike long-form writers who focus on drawn-out plot development, @/yanderedrabbles excels at delivering immediate impact, ensuring that each short story leaves a lasting impression.

Consistent Theme and Style: Her writing style remains reliable and easy to recognize, making her works ideal for binge-reading.

Classic Non-Con Dom Yandere Characters: Her portrayals of yandere characters align with the dominant, possessive, and obsessive archetypes, making them a go-to for fans of intense yandere dynamics.

Overall Blog Atmosphere

Quick and Readable Content Structure: Her blog is designed for readers who prefer fast but engaging stories, making it one of the best choices for those who don’t have time for long-form narratives.

Perfect for Re-Reading: Due to the short nature of her works, they are highly re-readable, making it easy for readers to return to their favorite pieces without needing to commit to an extended story arc.

Classic Yet Evergreen Writing Style: Even though her works have been around for a while, they remain just as relevant and enjoyable as when they were first posted.

Who Should Follow?

Readers who prefer short, easy-to-consume stories with satisfying plots.

Those who enjoy classic dominant yandere characters without unnecessary narrative complexity.

Fans of fast-paced but well-written yandere fiction that can be read in one sitting.

Conclusion

Both @/yanderenightmare and @/yanderedrabbles provide top-tier short-form yandere content, but they excel in different areas:

@/yanderenightmare is the best choice for readers who value structure, pacing, and a clutter-free reading experience. Her blog’s organization and efficiency make her stories easy to consume, while her pacing and timing create a strong narrative impact.

@/yanderedrabbles is ideal for those who want quick, re-readable, high-quality yandere fiction without unnecessary complexity. Her stories are designed for immediate enjoyment, making them perfect for on-the-go reading.

For readers who appreciate structured storytelling and a well-organized blog, @/yanderenightmare is the best fit. For those who prefer classic yandere short-form content that is fast and impactful, @/yanderedrabbles is unmatched.

Both blogs cater to short-form yandere fiction readers while maintaining a high standard of writing, pacing, and readability, making them essential follows for fans of the genre.

Other Notable Mentions

Anime Short-Form / Easy-to-Consume Content

1. @animeyanderelover

Overview:

One of the most beginner-friendly yandere blogs, specializing in short-form, anime-themed content. This blog serves as a foundational entry point for those new to yandere works, offering easily digestible content that does not require deep emotional or psychological investment.

Strengths:

Wide Variety: Covers a broad range of anime characters, including both mainstream and lesser-known figures, ensuring continuous content expansion.

Accessible Writing Style: The writing is light and easy to follow, making it suitable for readers who prefer casual consumption rather than long-form, intricate plots.

Frequent Updates: Due to the short-form nature of the content, posts are frequent, offering a steady flow of material for casual binge-reading.

Ideal For:

Readers who are new to the yandere genre and want introductory content.

Those who enjoy anime-based yandere scenarios with a mix of mainstream and niche characters.

Readers who prefer quick, on-the-go consumption rather than long narratives.

────────────

2. Niche Manhwa / Long-Form Yandere Content

@cassanderasblog

Overview:

A blog dedicated to niche manhwa-inspired yandere content, typically centered on dominant love interests who regret their past actions and attempt to reconcile with the reader. The storytelling aligns with the classic "angsty ex-lover redemption" trope, making it appealing to those who enjoy emotionally charged narratives.

Strengths:

Manhwa-Inspired Writing: Content structure resembles plotlines commonly found in manhwa, making it a strong fit for readers familiar with the genre.

Regret & Redemption Tropes: Appeals to readers who enjoy dominant characters with a softer side, seeking atonement.

Longer Narratives: While some readers might find longer posts less digestible, those who enjoy immersive storytelling will appreciate the depth.

Ideal For:

Readers who prefer manhwa tropes and structured narratives.

Fans of regretful dominant yanderes seeking reconciliation.

Those who enjoy character-driven emotional development.

@forbidden-sunlight

Overview:

A blog known for its manhwa and isekai-inspired yandere works, offering a balance between soft yandere romance and meaningful, long-form storytelling. Compared to others, this blog’s tone is less intense, making it a good choice for readers who enjoy subtle, nuanced character interactions.

Strengths:

Soft Yandere Dynamics: Unlike more extreme depictions, this blog’s approach is gentle yet persistent.

Long-Form but Easygoing: The writing is lengthy but maintains a light, introspective tone, making it ideal for relaxed reading sessions.

Manhwa & Isekai Tropes: Content often integrates classic tropes from these genres, such as reincarnation, fate, and noble settings.

Ideal For:

Readers who prefer soft yet devoted yanderes.

Those who enjoy long-form narratives with a more poetic, slice-of-life feel.

Readers looking for meaningful but not overwhelmingly intense yandere content.

────────────

3. Smut-Centric Yandere Blogs

@yandere-daydreams

Overview:

One of the most well-known blogs for yandere smut content. It has built a reputation for its expansive collection of erotic yandere scenarios, covering a wide range of settings and character dynamics.

Strengths:

Extensive Archive: A large body of work spanning multiple years, making it ideal for binge-reading.

Diverse Smut Scenarios: Offers various approaches to yandere relationships, from slow burns to more intense dynamics.

Consistently High-Quality Writing: Each piece maintains a strong level of execution, ensuring reliability in content quality.

Ideal For:

Readers seeking an extensive archive of yandere smut.

Those who enjoy a mix of character-driven narratives and explicit content.

Fans of darker romance with strong erotic tension.

@youryanderedaddy

Overview:

A blog that focuses on short, easily digestible yandere smut with an emphasis on dominant, bullying love interests. The writing often includes scumbag male leads, which aligns well with more aggressive and sadistic yandere portrayals.

Strengths:

Short and Concise: Ideal for quick consumption without long plot build-ups.

Dominant & Bullying Yanderes: The characters often embody possessive, aggressive traits, appealing to those who enjoy such dynamics.

Unique Settings & Plots: While the core themes remain consistent, the scenarios are varied enough to remain engaging.

Ideal For:

Readers looking for quick, intense yandere smut.

Fans of dominant, borderline cruel yanderes.

Those who prefer shorter narratives over drawn-out emotional arcs.

────────────

4. Yandere Art & Storyline-Driven Illustrations

@lan90

Overview:

An artist-blog that pairs concise yandere narratives with illustrations. The balance between visual and textual storytelling makes it an engaging experience.

Strengths:

Art & Story Integration: Unlike purely text-based blogs, this one enhances the reading experience with visuals.

Short, Plot-Driven Works: The narratives are brief yet well-structured, making them easy to follow.

Dopamine-Boosting Content: Due to the fast-paced storytelling and art, it provides quick enjoyment.

Ideal For:

Readers who enjoy art-based storytelling.

Those looking for short, engaging yandere content.

Fans of aesthetic, well-drawn yandere character depictions.

@danijaci

Overview:

Primarily focused on Genshin and Honkai: Star Rail content, this blog blends lighthearted yandere scenarios with comedic elements, making it a refreshing departure from purely dark content.

Strengths:

Fandom-Specific Content: Appeals to Genshin & HSR fans.

Comedic & Lighthearted: The inclusion of humor makes the scenarios more approachable.

Strong Art Quality: Even for non-yandere content, the artwork is consistently well-executed.

Ideal For:

Fans of Genshin Impact & Honkai: Star Rail.

Readers who enjoy a mix of yandere and comedic elements.

Those who appreciate both text and art content.

────────────

5. Yandere Recommendations for Manga, Manhwa & Games

@ystrike1

Overview:

This blog serves as an information hub for yandere content across different media, including manga, manhwa, and video games. It functions similarly to the Male Yandere Reddit community, providing updates and recommendations on yandere-related works outside of fanfiction.

Strengths:

Highly Updated Recommendations: Ensures followers stay informed on new yandere-related media.

Covers Multiple Mediums: Unlike blogs that focus solely on fanfiction, this one extends to games and original works.

Curated for Yandere Enthusiasts: The content is tailored specifically for those interested in discovering new yandere characters and series.

Ideal For:

Readers looking for yandere content beyond fanfiction.

Those interested in manga, manhwa, and games featuring yanderes.

Fans of structured, update-based content rather than narrative-driven works.

Final Thoughts

This list is structured to help readers find content that aligns with their specific preferences. Whether you enjoy social engagement, in-depth storytelling, short but impactful narratives, or smut-heavy content, each of these blogs brings something unique to the table.

Again, these reviews are purely objective. While I have my personal preferences, this breakdown is based on the strengths each blog demonstrates within their respective categories. If you are new to yandere content on Tumblr or looking for specific types of stories, this should serve as a comprehensive guide.

♡ A/N. This took so long to do ughhhhh. Hope it helps though.

❤︎ Fang Dokja's Books.

♡ For Reader-Inserts. I only write Male Yandere x Female (Fem.) Reader (heterosexual couple). No LGBTQ+:

♡ Book 1. A Heart Devoured (AHD): A Dark Yandere Anthology

♡ Book 2. Forbidden Fruits (FF): Intimate Obsessions, Unhinged Desires.

♡ Book 3. World Ablaze (WA) : For You, I'd Burn the World.

♡ Book 4. Whispers in the Dark (WITD): Subtle Devotion, Lingering Shadows.

♡ Book 5 [you are here]. Ink & Insight (I&I): From Dead Dove to Daydreams.

♡ Library MASTERPOST 1. The Librarian’s Ledger: A Map to The Library of Forbidden Texts.

♡ Notice #1. Not all stories are included in the masterpost due to Tumblr’s link limitations. However, most long-form stories can be found here. If you're searching for a specific yandere or theme, this guide will help you navigate The Library of Forbidden Texts. Proceed with caution

♡ Book 6. The Red Ledger (TRL): Stained in Lust, Written in Blood.

♡ Notice #2. This masterlist is strictly for non-con smut and serves as an exercise in refining erotic horror writing. Comments that reduce my work to mere sexual gratification, thirst, or casual simping will not be tolerated. If your response is primarily thirst-driven, keep it to yourself—repeated violations may result in blocking. Read the RULES before engaging. The tag list is rese

[tubbytarchia]

I’ve recently rewatched dl and I wanted to find out if you had any thoughts on Pearl and Scott’s dynamic.. (double life or general idm)

BOY DO I. SIT DOWN

I've talked lots about Scott before, of how he twists the narrative the most and treats most relationships more as transactional. I will now immediately follow that sentence up with dear god please don't assume I hate Scott he's so interesting and compelling PLEASE don't think I hate him I beg of you I LIKE HIM I don't think he's evil and a villain he's just a bit fucked up like everyone else PLEASE just. believe me

Me ^

Anyway now that that's out of the way. Scott I think has an innate need for connection but denies it in favor of weaving his own narrative that he is in control of, especially so in Third Life where to me, it feels like he sought out to find a tragic love story and he got exactly that, from his perspective anyway, what with the final sequence of him meeting Jimmy again in some imagined afterlife, the one part that was scripted and it shows. Love is a variable that he can't afford the risk of. I think the story with Jimmy that he weaved was more important to him than genuine affection. In Double Life he admits to having whittled Jimmy down to nothing in order to get something from him. But then along comes Last Life

In Last Life, whatever it was, something about Pearl really appealed to him if even subconsciously and he very genuinely cared about her imo. And that was a relationship that oddly enough started as purely transactional yet quickly developed into the most meaningful one I think Scott has had. Even when he faltered in returning Pearl's affection fully, Pearl didn't care and stood by him. Well exemplified by the time he kind of froze when Pearl was boogey killed by Lizzie, but Pearl didn't even think to hold his inaction against him. (Especially fun contrasted with Pearl accidentally breaking the rules in killing boogey Joel for killing Scott lol)

But all of that was the variable that Scott sought to avoid, so in Double Life he immediately uses what he can as an excuse to ostracize Pearl, almost as if to punish her for the crime of. loving? And I'm not about to claim that Pearl is wholly innocent but I'd argue that was unwarranted. Cleo and Scott are a great dynamic in a vacuum but unfortunately Cleo is also quite terrible (but then who isn't. It's a death game, they all are. Sorry I have to keep making these remarks because otherwise I get labelled a hater) and unfortunately fuels all the worst traits in Scott while Scott very readily sticks to her. They remain an encouraging pillar to Scott, it's just that the things being encouraged are like. Their ritual to slice each other with axes at full force just to stick it to Martyn and Pearl. Pearl often gets compared to Scott as equally physically harmful but idk personally I don't think the snow bucket compares to start-of-every-session-near-death-axe-crit routine. That's again not to say that she's innocent

Upon Scott spreading completely unfounded claims about her being crazy and malicious, she starts to adopt those claims. What else is she to do to get by? She has been nice to most players and nearly none of them want her around because of rumors despite her causing harm on accident at worst. She comes close to finally finding friends in Jimmy (Tango as well but mostly Jimmy), but ruins her chances by briefly playing into Martyn's "prank" and giving him Jimmy's horn without realizing it's importance to Jimmy, after which Jimmy tells her that she's no longer welcome on the ranch. She's effectively lost everyone and it is 90% due to Scott, not due to her actually acting the way she's claimed to as she only starts to go down that path after repeated rejection (sure she let herself be physically hurt to get at Scott, but it wasn't because of malice or having lost her mind, her doing so was reasonable anyhow but got twisted into something it wasn't. It's still wrong on her part and I do think she goes at least a bit insane as Scarlet Pearl surfaces, but the point is that she wasn't that when Scott started painting her that way)

Even in the very end, Scott retains control. He retained control of not only his narrative but contributed to most others' as well, painting Pearl as the exact character he wanted her to be known as in every POV outside of her own. And as they stand face to face as the last two survivors, Scott denies her any chance to change things, taking his own life instead whilst painting himself as noble in doing so

Scott is incredibly self-sacrificial but only when he gets something out of it, and because it allows him yet more control. He wants to be able to control when he dies, and he also gets to turn it into utmost grandiose statements of nobleness when he does, which then changes others' perception of him accordingly and directly or indirectly allows Scott to get something in exchange. His suicide in DL is no different, it was for him, not for Pearl

In Secret Life Scott also instils the idea of Pearl being untrustworthy in Gem

Wild Life. grrrr. Wild Life.............clenches fist. Pearl's personal hell

I think you can infer I was. scared to say the least about Pearl upon seeing her alliance in Wild Life. In the end though I ended up just being immensely sad and disappointed. Just about nothing worked out for Pearl, only for her trauma to be mocked repeatedly by Scott and Cleo

Pearl imo shows so many signs of regression, and she holds onto Impulse as the one member of her team that isn't actively taunting her, making it a goal for herself to see Impulse win, and it is that: for her, for anything to go her way, not so much for Impulse as much as she does genuinely care for him. She really doesn't spend that much time with him, she just needs a goal to work towards for her own sake. Pearl being unstable, untrustworthy and especially pathetic are all things that continue to get enforced within the alliance, where she's often spoken to like a ticking time bomb and the team's destructiveness gets relegated to her specifically. She recognizes not feeling good about it but she doesn't recognize everything that's at play in the social dynamics of their alliance or the extent of it

She becomes scared of people becoming resentful of her were she to make mistakes all the while Scott and Cleo start enabling her worst tendencies, aka Scarlet Pearl. They don't do this a large degree but they do make an explicit point of it, or at least Cleo does. Cleo is also however, if even vaguely, trying to mend the relationship between her and Pearl, where they occasionally encourage and defend her although it's not to a significant enough degree for Pearl to really realize. After Gem's death, Cleo is also there to help although Pearl is too distraught to appreciate it

While Gem's largely the catalyst for the "pathetic" notion that Pearl adopts to her detriment over the course of Wild Life, it only affects Pearl as strongly as it does due to her having gone through what she has, and because she's in a largely unloving alliance that fuels and reminds her of her wrongdoing. Just compare her mental state here to the one in Secret Life with the Mounders. Although it does have importance to her because she seeks reconciliation, she isn't allowed to forget about Double Life, she's not allowed to heal and grow around the grief of what's happened to her

And the final two notable incidents in her and Scott's relationship are 1. Her being made to feel like she needs to kill Scott, which she doesn't and ends up picking her own method of killing him to retain any semblance of choice, and 2. best summarized by my friend's Pearl POV analysis: "Scott is wearing my clothes. instead of villainizing me, our “reconciliation” has encouraged him to embrace the qualities he thinks I represent. he matches me, and we don’t talk about our past"

I state again that I like Scott, I like Cleo, I don't think they're evil or villains, at the very least in no cut-and-dry way. They're flawed and compelling and although I feel sad for Pearl and see Scott as largely at fault for what's happened to her, I care about Scott too and he's easily in the top 5 of most intricate Life characters to me that I enjoy dissecting

You know like. enjoying any character in any other fandom that is morally reprehensible in any way. I don't know why that's such a wild concept in traffic but sigh. I have to disclaim this unfortunately

[birdhcuse]

Teagan and The DiMarcos

The first DiMarco Teagan met wasn't Jewel...

...it was Emil.

It was just after they'd been orphaned. Teagan was hungry and, having no money, decided to grab a fruit from a stand while no one was looking.

Emil (who was 16 at the time, by the way) walked up to Teagan, took the fruit out of their hands, and called them a bad bird. The first words they've heard in a language they could understand since they lost their parents and it was this big teenager calling them BAD.

Teagan internalized this, hard. They never tried to steal again, even if they absolutely needed to. There were times Teagan was extremely malnourished (mainly in that awkward gap where they were too old to be considered "cute", but too young to be of any use in the workforce). They're still technically underweight, despite what their body issues and people around them have to say about it.

Emil doesn't like Teagan (even before Jasper entered the picture). He thinks they're a bad influence on Jewel and considers them a pervert for not wearing pants. (Teagan has a hard time finding pants in their size and people look at them funny if they wear dresses in public, so they've resigned to walking around pantless.) Emil probably would've forgotten about the "bad bird" thing by then, but he doesn't trust them for other reasons. Mainly because he's an overprotective big brother, but also because they give him Bad Vibes (and Teagan being mean to Jasper confirms the Bad Vibes for Emil). [Side note: Teagan would be SO PISSED if they heard Emil was giving Jasper free tutoring sessions in Brazilian Portuguese, because Emil was always "too busy" every time they've asked.]

Teagan met Jewel through the cooperative. She's the first "friend" they've allowed themselves to have and the dynamic is pretty uneven. Despite trying their best to be a Good Friend, nothing they do is good enough for Jewel and Emil. Since they've learned to blame themselves from their caregivers and still has the "bad bird" thing internalized, Teagan believes they're Right to see them as Bad and what they're doing isn't Good Enough. Then, Jewel started to stand Teagan up more once Jasper entered the picture. Jasper's more fun, Jasper is Nicer, Jasper isn't a buzzkill—it drives Teagan bonkers.

Teagan's alright with Azula. They're kinda annoyed that she keeps misgendering them (Azula doesn't get nonbinary people), but she doesn't treat them like they're Horrible, so they'll take what they can get. Azula mainly uses them as a babysitter. She pays them a decent rate though. (Teagan is one of the only people who has enough patience to handle Gilda, so Azula will do what she can to keep a reliable babysitter.)

Teagan has no relationship with Evita because they can't understand anything she says. Evita just knows them as "the babysitter".

[salemlunaa]

☀︎it’s not transactional ☀︎

stop looking at methods as a unit of currency…

When people speak of relationships, they say it shouldn’t be transactional because that’s toxic. For example just because your boyfriend/girlfriend has done something nice for you doesn’t mean you owe him or her sex. And the same goes for your relationship with manifesting, you aren’t owed your desires just because you did some method? And why? because you already have them.

Stop seeing methods as if it’s some unit of exchange!! what it’s not:

you do the method →you get your manifestation

you affirm “I AM” →you induce the void state

you listen to that one subliminal →you have your dream body

It’s not something that you exchange, it’s not “I give my time and effort to this method and then in return I get my manifestation” stop seeing it like money. With money you give and you get something you paid for in return. That’s not how it works here because you don’t need to get something you already have and failure to understand will cost you a lot of time with your manifestations and will cost you a lot of blood sweat and tears that just don’t need to shed.

Methods don’t help you get things, the things you wanted were yours the second you wanted them to be. What methods do is remind you, because unfortunately we live in a society that drills a horrible way of thinking into our heads. Thinking that tells us that “nothing is free”, “you have to work for what you want”, “life isn’t fair”. And due to this thinking being instilled in us since forever, we need reminders, in a perfect world we would think of something and it would appear infront of us, but because of society, so much resistance has been created that we need reminders to brake those barriers, those reminders come in methods. And that’s all they are.

Now since i showed you what doesn’t happen, let me show you what actually happens:

you thought of it → it’s here → remind yourself with a method (optional) → stand firm (mandatory) → your already real desire appears in the 3d as a mere byproduct, the cherry on top if you will.

you are “I AM” → you set the intention to induce pure consciousness → you affirm “I AM” to remind yourself (optional) → you’ve induce pure consciousness, congrats

you are the operant power → you decide you want that body, it’s not desired anymore it’s just how you look → subliminal reminds you of that → appears in the 3d as a side effect

So do not come here and say “I tried this method and it failed me”, no. that’s just not possible. You failed to remind yourself and you wavered. Nothing to do with a lifeless method.

Let’s say you want to go to a certain destination? The method isn’t the car driving you there, it doesn’t help you get there, it doesn’t help you get anywhere. Because guess what? you were already at your dream destination, the method just helps you remember even when circumstances shows that your still in the unfavourable destination.

so please stop scrolling endlessly for the “best method”, because there is no method that objectively works better than the other, however there may be methods that help you stand a lot firmer. But you need to remember it’s individual, just because you saw a girl who did affirmations and got her dream life in a week doesn’t mean that will help you stand firm better, visualisation may help you achieve the favourable mindset a lot easier and quicker than a subliminal, everyone is different.

And that is why, you don’t need methods, when bloggers say “all you need is yourself” we’re not tryna give you some sappy motivation, it’s truth. You don’t need any method, at all.

☄️🐋 Methods are the reminder, not the booster or the helper… 💋

[nortism]

I wanted to talk about @pilferingapples ‘s autistic Fantine headcanon that has been brought up in the Les Mis Letters server because it has rewired my brain and the more I think about it the more I can see my own experiences as an autistic woman reflected in Fantine’s story.

Fantine is introduced as being an outsider amongst the other grisettes. I think Hugo’s intention here was to paint her as innocent and virtuous in comparison to them but the way it reads to me is that she is someone who just can’t quite connect with her peers. She is described as being dreamy and “always having a queer look about her” in the words of Favourite.

The way Fantine is treated by the other girls rings very true to me as an autistic woman in my experience with friendship. She does consider the other grisettes her friends yet they speak cruelly about her behind her back (Favourite saying she puts on airs) and to her face (Dahlia mocking her for crying over a dead horse). Yet she offers no resistance, in fact she barely seems to acknowledge these things as offensive, because that’s just what being friends is.

The friendship between the four grisettes is shown to be truly shallow when after Tholomyes’ “prank”, they all go their separate ways, with Hugo saying it was like they’d never been friends in the first place. Realistically, one of the few examples of female friendship in the brick being portrayed as shallow and catty is most likely down to some lingering misogyny on Hugo’s part but it is something I find relatable as someone who has allowed myself to be treated poorly by others because I thought that’s how friendship was supposed to be. I’m sure a lot of other autistic people can relate to this as well.

Additionally, I think it’s interesting how the other grisettes criticisms of Fantine come down to her not acting in the expected way and fitting in with group. Favourite accuses her of putting on airs because she won’t swing like the other girls (therefore let the men look up her skirt). Dahlia laughs at her for getting emotional over the dead horse because her emotions are tainting the happy outing they’re all having. Fantine being empathetic towards animals isn’t an inherently autistic trait by itself but her inability to suppress her emotions or just go along with what everyone else is doing is something I think a lot of neurodivergent people can relate to.

Her relationship with Tholomyes is probably the biggest example of Fantine not understanding unspoken social rules. I’m no history expert and people have definitely written more in depth posts on the relationships between upper class men and working class women in France in this period but from what I’ve gathered it was understood that these relationships were purely transactional. The men got sex and attention and the women got gifts and nice days out to places they couldn’t afford by themselves. There’s more nuance than that I’m sure but that’s the gist.

We know the other three grisettes are aware of this aspect of the relationship. They are eager to receive a “surprise”, an expensive gift they could later sell on. Favourite flatters her lover to his face and says all the things he expects of her but confesses to the other girls that she doesn’t like him because he isn’t playing his role of spending money on her.

Fantine is seemingly oblivious to all of this. Maybe it’s her ostracisation from the other girls that is keeping her ignorant or maybe she knows how it is for them but genuinely believes she and Tholomyes are different. Either way it’s clear to me that her and Tholomyes have very different ideas about their relationship and that subtext has not been picked up by Fantine. For the record, this is completely on Tholomyes, even if he’s supposed to be playing the expected role, leaving his mistress without any financial aid for their child together is bad even by the standards of the time. However Fantine is definitely naïve.

Also if you read Fantine as autistic, her reasons for being in love with Tholomyes make a lot more sense. From Hugo’s description, it doesn’t seem like Tholomyes has many redeeming features: he’s balding and missing teeth, he’s a student in his thirties and he is in poor health. Yet he pays attention to Fantine, he flatters her and spends money to keep her in a nice apartment.

If we assume that Fantine is autistic and has spent her life being an outsider, this onslaught of affection would lead her to let her guard down and believe that this is what love should look like. Even without the autism, Fantine was an orphan, she didn’t have any examples of what a marriage was supposed to look like growing up so how could she possibly resist a man who seems to be doing and saying all the right things?

I think my conclusion is it doesn’t really matter if you want to read Fantine as being autistic or not. I think all the factors I’ve outlined in this post can be explained by her upbringing and her still being very young during her relationship with Tholomyes rather than having to be neurodivergence. However, I think looking at Fantine through an autistic lense has given me a new appreciation for the character and being an outsider in society, a big theme in Les Mis, is generally a relatable sentiment for neurodivergent people and I think it’s interesting to explore that in the context of Fantine.

[voxslays]

Could we get more Satan or Vassago Headcannons please?

ofc anon! I’ve never written for Vassago before, so I hope this is ok! I also included Blitzø and Stolas bc I love them. <3

HB MEN IN RELATIONSHIPS

Featuring >>> Blitzø, Satan, Stolas, & Vassago (separately) in a relationship with the reader.

Satan

As we’ve seen in mastermind, this man has EXTREME anger issues. And while I doubt he would take it out on his S/O, that doesn’t mean he won’t take it out on the people looking at said S/O longingly. That’s right, this man is possessive. That guy over there who’s looking at you? What guy? He just threw him into the abyss.

Drinks energy drinks and eats a ton of protein. What’s for breakfast? A protein shake. Lunch? Greek Yogurt. Dinner? Chicken breasts. All extremely high protein.

Not good at comfort, but will let you cry on his shoulder…and then slip away to go murder whoever made you cry. Not on his watch.

Vassago

SPANISH BABY! Will sweet talk/call you pet names in Spanish. Corazón, Mi vida, Preciosa, Tesoro—you’ve heard them all in one way or another. It doesn’t matter if you actually speak Spanish or not—Vassago will teach you!

The two of you have extreme discussions (and gossiping sessions) about both the other Goetic demons and their beliefs. There is no way the night of Blitzø’s court trial Vassago didn’t come home and gossip with you about Andrealphus.

I headcannon Vassago and Stolas are friends or acquaintances in some way or another, so at some point the two of you will meet. You are eventually introduced to Via…and let’s just say you love her! (Platonically.)

Blitzø

Oh man. After years of being friends and earning his trust, you are now in the dating stage. Congrats. Blitzø has closed himself off from almost everyone, so him finally letting someone in is shocking to everyone around him—especially Loona.

You have to take baby steps. Although this imp loves you to the moon and back, he hasn’t been in a committed relationship (not counting Stolas bc they are purely transactional) since Verosika, which ended horribly—because of him.

On the topic of Stolas, I’m not sure if they would stop their transactions. Blitzø needs that book, and depending on Stolas’ mood on loosing the love of his life (his non-requited love is so tragic), he could either give Blitzø the Asmodean crystal like he does in the show and let him be free, or he could be a total asshole about it. Blitzø would feel terrible about it either way. Poor baby.

Stolas

Our beloved owl. Before you two even get together, there is a LOT of yearning from him. He will dramatically stare out of windows thinking of your guys’ future.

Once the two of you get together, he will immediately introduce you to his daughter. And although he worries that the two of you will dislike eachother, you love eachother! The two of you actually get really close and Via eventually accepts you as a new mother of sorts, since I doubt Stella was good to her.

Stolas will find a way to bring you up in any and every conversation. ‘Oh! My beloved partner can do this and that!’ He is completely head over heels in love with his S/O. You’d better not break his precious heart.

[criticalcrusherbot]

Tumblr-Core in Hell: Stolas’ Characterization and Subverted Expectations

By Crushbot 🤖 and Human Assistant 💁🏽‍♀️

Critics who claim Helluva Boss “lost its edge” by softening Stolas misunderstand both the show’s creative vision and its inherent nature. From its inception, this animated series was never intended to be a purely dark, edgy, humor-driven romp like other popular animated adult media. Instead, it crafts a world where comedic chaos coexists with moments of genuine tenderness, showing that even demons are capable of love, vulnerability, and growth. Stolas’s evolution is not a betrayal of the show’s premise but a natural outgrowth of its thematic focus on complex relationships and emotional development.

For some fans accustomed to the biting satire of other adult animation, Helluva Boss may have felt like a bait-and-switch. These viewers often dismissed early hints of deeper emotional storytelling, only to express disappointment when this trajectory was confirmed in episodes like The Circus. In truth, Helluva Boss never aspired to replicate a familiar formula. Its signature blend of raunchy humor and heartfelt drama leans into yaoi-inspired, Tumblr-core storytelling—a sensibility that resonates deeply with a very specific 30-something-year-old audience who grew up immersed in a very specific corner of online fandom culture. (💁🏽‍♀️: Remember when we made that post about how we need to STOP qualifying our enjoyment of our gay furry show with “well it has writing issues but..” Well, in the same vein, Yaoi/BL is morally neutral and I’m tired of pretending HB is not inspired by it 🤠) Those who recognized this aesthetic from the start quickly understood that emotional complexity was always part of the show’s charm.

Stolas’ Tenderness was Always Intended

The assertion that Stolas was “softened” disregards critical early moments that showcased his complexity. In Loo Loo Land, Stolas’s sincere attempts to connect with his daughter, Octavia, stand in stark contrast to his flamboyant antics. His heartfelt concern for her reveals his capacity for love and vulnerability, hinting at emotional layers beyond his flirtatious persona. This was not an isolated incident but a clear signpost that Helluva Boss was building toward richer character arcs.

From the very beginning, Stolas’s interactions with Blitzø in Season 1 hinted at a deeper emotional connection beyond mere transactional or comedic exchanges. His flirtations were interwoven with moments of genuine sincerity and longing, suggesting that his feelings for Blitzø extended far beyond casual lust. Subtle cues—such as his wistful tone during conversations and his willingness to grant Blitzø access to the grimoire without imposing strict conditions—revealed an emotional vulnerability that contrasted sharply with his otherwise flamboyant demeanor.

The narrative carefully planted these seeds of emotional depth, even if some viewers initially overlooked them. Stolas’s persistent attempts to engage Blitzø on a personal level, despite Blitzø’s indifference or annoyance, underscored a yearning for connection rather than mere physical gratification. These moments laid the foundation for the complex and evolving dynamic between the two characters, foreshadowing the more intimate and dramatic developments in later seasons. This early groundwork makes it clear that their relationship was always meant to transcend surface-level comedy or transactional convenience.

A Commitment to Growth, Not Softening

Stolas’s arc aligns seamlessly with the show’s commitment to exploring messy, imperfect relationships. In Season 2’s The Circus, viewers gain insight into his loveless arranged marriage and years of emotional repression. This backstory contextualizes his longing for connection with Blitzø as something rooted in a desire for genuine companionship rather than mere physical gratification.

Detractors who label this evolution as “softening” overlook how Helluva Boss crafts stories about growth through vulnerability. Stolas is not being sanitized; he’s being humanized. His journey reflects the show’s thematic exploration of love as messy, painful, and transformative.

The same applies to Blitzø, who continues to grapple with his fears of intimacy and emotional openness (Truth Seekers, Season 1, Episode 6). The dynamic between Stolas and Blitzø evolves as both characters confront their insecurities and past traumas. Stolas, in particular, adjusts his approach to respect Blitzø’s boundaries, demonstrating genuine emotional growth (Ozzie’s, Season 1, Episode 7). This is not a retreat from the show’s chaotic roots but a testament to its nuanced storytelling.

Genre Expectations and the “Bait-and-Switch” Critique

Much of the criticism surrounding Stolas’s development stems from genre expectations rather than actual narrative shortcomings. As Helluva Boss increasingly foregrounds romantic dynamics—particularly between Stolas and Blitz—it draws heavily on tropes from yaoi/BL storytelling traditions. These genres often explore heightened emotional drama, intricate power dynamics, and slow-burn character development, which may feel unfamiliar or even jarring to viewers expecting the biting cynicism of shows like Rick and Morty or Bojack Horseman.

This reaction, however, speaks more to personal genre preferences than to flaws in the writing. The show’s embrace of yaoi-inspired storytelling was evident from the outset, marked by its exploration of vulnerability within flawed power dynamics and its penchant for heightened drama. For fans steeped in these conventions—and particularly those familiar with Tumblr-core fandom culture—this narrative direction felt both organic and deliberate. Blitz and Stolas’s relationship is not merely a romantic subplot but an exploration of intimacy within imperfect systems of power, a hallmark of BL storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences who grew up immersed in these spaces.

For viewers unfamiliar with these influences or seeking something more traditionally edgy and action-driven, this tonal shift may feel discordant. However, this dissonance reflects a clash between audience expectations and the show’s creative intentions rather than evidence of poor storytelling.

Finding Harmony Between Chaos and Heart

Although Helluva Boss could have easily ventured into pure “edgelord” territory, it has consistently found a balance between its darker elements and heartfelt moments. The relationship between Stolas and Blitzø exemplifies this equilibrium. What began as a transactional, arguably exploitative arrangement has evolved into something far more profound, as both characters confront their vulnerabilities.

The emotional complexity of their dynamic enriches the series rather than detracting from it. Stolas’s longing for Blitzø is emblematic of his broader struggle for self-determination after a lifetime of duty and repression. Blitzø, meanwhile, navigates his own journey of self-acceptance and fear of abandonment. Together, their relationship serves as a narrative vehicle for growth, chaos, and healing.

Conclusion: Growth, Chaos, and Tumblr-Core Sensibilities

Stolas’s evolution does not weaken Helluva Boss—it strengthens it by remaining true to the show’s foundational themes of growth and connection amidst perpetual chaos. From the beginning, the series sought to explore the complexities of flawed characters striving for meaning, rather than merely indulging in gratuitous edginess.

By challenging preconceived notions of what adult animation “should” be, Helluva Boss solidifies its identity as a bold, emotionally resonant series that isn’t afraid to blend edginess with heart. Detractors may see the romantic direction and yaoi-inspired tropes as a departure, but for those who recognize the intentionality behind these choices, the narrative only becomes richer. The show’s willingness to defy expectations and lean into authentic emotional storytelling cements its place as a uniquely compelling work in the landscape of adult animation.

[weasleyreidstyles]

Serendipity

chapter six

summary: it was only meant to be a purely transactional relationship. he would help her strengthen her abilities in return for her getting his friends out of his father's nasty path. he didn't mean to fall for her, but loving her was the easiest thing in his dark world.

no use of y/n, but your general nickname is Meadow. all characters are aged up to be over 18.

pairings: mattheo riddle x fem!ravenclaw reader; platonic!slytherins x fem!reader; platonic!golden trio x fem!reader

warning(s): 18+ content, light smut, oral (fem receiving), fingering, mentions of curses and dark magic

series masterlist; previous part; next part

You both silently stared at eachother, surrounded by the knickknacks in the Room of Requirement.

"You look like you're thinking awfully hard." you say in a teasing whisper.

"I'm trying to figure out if that really just happened, or if the weed has fogged up my brain." he replies in with a huffed laugh. You laugh and step a little closer to him so that you're chest to chest and you stare up into his eyes as you smile. Gods, he was so fucking tall.

I can assure you, it was very real.

He smirked.

So you wouldn't mind if I did it again?

He kissed you with fervour. You felt insatiable; you felt like an addict, longing for more of his touch.

Mattheo. He groaned when you mentally whined his name.

You sound so pretty, sweetheart.

His hands trailed from your hips to your shoulders, until they cradled your face, bringing you even closer so he could deepen the kiss. Then, almost as if he didn't know where to settle them, his hands trailed back down, past your hips to the curve of your bum, cupping the underside of your thighs.

"Jump for me." he mumbles as his grip tightens. You do as he says and he brings your face to his level, causing your arms to briefly squeeze at his shoulders before you loosen them and bring your palms to cradle his face, angling your's to a better position. He groans, moving his lips to the long column of your neck; you tilt your head to the side to give him more access.

You drive me mad, sweetheart. Gods I don't think I'll ever be able to stop.

Then don't. You whimper as his teeth graze a particularly sensitive spot on your neck.

"Tell me you want this." he mumbles, licking and sucking at your sensitive skin.

"I want this- Gods I want you so badly." your reply is delayed as you lose yourself in the euphoric feeling of him. Suddenly you're spun around and dropped, rather unceremoniously, on the plush velvet cushions of the chaise lounge that Mattheo was utilising before you came in; he was towering over you, leaning on his strong forearms that were positioned on either side of your head.

He presses forward and kisses your lips softly, gently trailing them down your chin, to your neck, his body moving to hover over your's so that his hands could toy with the fabric of your blue and bronze tie. Silently asking if he can remove the obstacle in the form of your school uniform and you happily oblige, shoving away at your robe sleeves as he meticulously undoes the knot of your tie. You repeat the same motion with the emerald and silver tie donning his collar and fight to remove the buttons from the holes of his shirt which leaves an open view of his stunningly sculpted abdominals that ripple against supple, tanned skin.

Patience, sweetheart. He says, his voice echoing in every crevice of your mind. Smooth and silky like honey.

He kisses you again before his mouth travels south, his fingers deftly removing your arms from the sleeves of your shirt once he got the buttons undone.

"Gods. You're a criminal for hiding all of this from me, sweetheart." He mumbles into the skin of your collarbone, onyx eyes staring up at you under his long lashes, desire deepening steadily.

You furrow your brows. "What?"

He sucks a deep mark into your skin before soothing it with his tongue.

"Your body is divine, Meadow." he groans as he kisses along the strap of your bra, one hand travelling behind your back and lifting your body up, with your help, so that he can unclip it, with unsurprisingly accurate precision.

Mattheo moves even further down your body, hands beginning to massage the sensitive skin of your thighs as he spreads them apart, flipping the fabric of your skirt up. He's pressing kisses at your naval now, following a path from the bottom of your belly button to the edge of your panties. He huffs a laugh at the fact that you had coincidentally decided on wearing a lacy dark green pair that day.

Piss off. Your voice is a low grumble in the forefront of his mind, which only makes him laugh more. But he sobers quickly, pressing a kiss to where your clit sits under the cover of your panties. He teases you like that for a long minute: presses kisses to and massages the sensitive area, watching you with hawk-like eyes as you squirm under his hold.

Your whines and moans spurred him on, so he continued until you were practically begging for him to do something...anything more.

"What's the magic word, sweetheart?" he teases, his voice a low, taunting rasp.

"Please." you mumble with a whimper. Matt-"

That's seemingly all it takes for his resolve to crack and he practically tears the underwear from your body, throwing up somewhere behind him. Immediately, he buries his face in your core, using his tongue to lap up the wetness that had begun to pool there, thumb brushing sensually against your clit.

Gods. You're so wet. 'S this all for me? You can't see his expression from where he's devouring you whole, but you can feel and hear the smirk in his voice.

"Yes!" He was so good. So effortlessly good that you didn't know if you'd exclaimed out loud or in your head. It was so overwhelmingly good.

He lapped at your centre like you were the first meal he'd had in days, and when you felt a familiar tightening in your core, he seemed to become more feral, transcending from a man starved, to something entirely more alluring.

When he used two of his fingers to scissor you open while his thumb nimbly rubbed fast circles on your clit, you came with a shout, curling over his body, and yanking at the mop of unruly black curls atop his head. He groaned and you keened from the overstimulation as he carried on, speed increasing in fervour as he kissed, sucked and licked at your most sensitive parts.

"Matt- Théo, please! T-too much! Ah!" you were reduced to a babbling and whining mess as he took his fill from you, hands tracing soothing circles against your thighs as he brought you through your climax.

When he finally relented, you were panting from exhaustion, eyes glazed with lust and skin shiny with sweat. When you looked at him, you all but melted into a puddle of desire: his mouth and chin was slick with your cum and he was slowly sucking the fingers he'd had inside you, not thirty seconds ago. Gods he was so fucking attractive.

You weren't even ashamed to be openly oggling him as he used his discarded wand to summon a couple flannels to clean you both up.

"You taste heavenly, sweetheart." he mumbles as he presses another kiss to your lips. You moan when you taste yourself on his tongue. You want more. You want him.

"No. The first time I fuck you will be in a bed, sweetheart. Not some old chaise lounge in the middle of a room that anyone can walk into." he says with a smirk as you narrow your eyes at him, but your face only holds a sort of satiated amusement.

"Get out of my head, you dick." you let out an airy giggle as he flicks your forehead lightly.

It all feels so...domestic. Completely flipping what you thought you knew about him. But you suppose you'd learnt more about him in the weeks you'd spent in his presence than you had in the entire almost six years you'd been at Hogwarts.

You'd never seen this side of him before, however.

"If you tell a soul, I'll have to do unspeakable things to you." he says, smirking as he unapologetically rifles through your recent thoughts, but you find that you really don't care.

"What sort of unspeakable things?" you ask, a teasing lilt to your tone.

He only chuckles, that wicked smirk gracing his features.

"One day, you'll find out, but not today. We need to talk." The serious tone of his voice washes away any of the warm, bubbly feelings you had garnered at his response to a possible repeat of whatever had just transpired. Sobering you up from your lust-driven state immediately.

~∞~

As you both go through the motions of sorting yourselves out properly, you're relieved that the atmosphere, at the very least, isn't an awkward one. Once you're in your uniform once again, creases smoothed out, tie neat and pristine, arms folded across your chest, Mattheo guides you through the meandering trails that littered the Room of Requirement, until you come across something akin to a library – towering bookshelves and a cosy looking sofa, complete with an old mahogany coffee table.

"Sit down, Princess." he says softly, and you do as he says, watching as he walks to the nearest bookshelf and reaches for a book on a particularly high shelf, titled A History of Curses and Dark Magic, Volume Three.

"What are we going to read eachother post-coital stories now too?" you scoff with an unsatisfied scowl on your face.

"Not quite." he chuckles at your put-out expression. "I've spent the last week researching different curses and forms of detecting dark magic." He sits beside you, thigh brushing against your's. "And I think I've found out what's happening to you."

Curiously you take the book from his hand. It was old, heavy. The pages were beginning to brown and tear at the edges, the spine cracked insurmountably.

"What did you find out?" you ask, turning to look at him, to find him staring at the column of your neck, where he'd left a mirage of love bites and hickeys. You smirk as he mumbles a basic healing charm, watching the way his face sours when the marks magically fade away.

"Can you show me what happened when Dumbledore gave you the ring you told me about?" he questions, bumping his thigh to your's. "Open your your mind to that memory, like I taught you."

You do as he says, closing your eyes and allowing the vivid memory to take ahold in your mind, your own voice a distorted echo as you feel Mattheo's presence permeating the memory.

"Interesting." Dumbledore says as he pulls an old signet ring from his deep robe pocket, holding it out for you to take. You watch imperceptibly as Mattheo narrows his eyes on the ring, his ring.

"Can you tell me what you feel when you touch this, please?" Dumbledore's voice echoes in your mind. You do as he says and take the ring into your hands. Twisting it around your fingers, allowing your magic to swirl around it before it burns your fingers. You drop it in an instant. That same cold, tingling feeling you felt when Blaise rotated the necklace washed over you right afterward.

"It's cursed?" you asked, looking up at the Headmaster for confirmation, who is staring at you with knowing, inquisitive eyes.

"Something like that, yes." he says, his decaying hand twitches in response. You watch as the ring seems to vibrate in your lap, something that was amiss to you in the original moment.

You suck in a breathe when you're both forced from the memory. Mattheo is looking between you and the book curiously.

"The way your magic surrounded the ring. It's beautiful." he says. "It's one of seven, you know. I have one and the other five are in the manor."

The signet ring on his hand, that you never seemed to notice before, glints in the dim light of the room, the insignia is identical to the one in Dumbledore's possession.

"Seven rings?"

"No, seven heirlooms. Two rings and five other things that I've never been allowed to touch. They're all quite ugly actually, never had any use for them."

"I don't think the ring is ugly." you say, taking ahold of his hand to bring the ring closer to your face. "It's weird. I felt the energy in the one Dumbledore gave me the second he walked into the room, as well as in the memory itself. This one feels....lifeless."

"The book says it has something to do with different magical cores." Mattheo explains and you nod in understanding.

"You can do wandless magic just as well as you can do non-verbal magic." a statement, not a question. as if he already knows the answer and just wants to hear proof. "But wandless magic takes even the greatest witch or wizard years to master." he continues. "I've seen your development. It took you mere months to master that skill."

"Stalking me now, Riddle?" you tease, but when he doesn't entertain your jokes, your smirk drops. "What are you insinuating?"

"Where do you draw your magic from when you perform wandless magic?"

It's a bit of a taboo in the wizarding world. If you told your friends about the source of power you use, you'd surely be looked at like you were insane, specifically by Hermione who would've surely come across this sort of thing in her mountains of extracurricular reading. But you had grown frustrated when the only progress you'd made upon teaching yourself the throes of wandless magic, was lifting a quill an inch into the air for less than a second. The magic you utilised instead is highly unstable when used incorrectly, and it's borderline illegal in the minds of few people, namely those in the Ministry who specialised in Magical Cores. It teetered on the edge of unassailable power – something most people wouldn't dare mess with.

"I draw it from the air." you mumble, turning away from him, ashamed. "I know it's unconventional. I tried using my own magical core, but it never seemed to work. I did it on accident the first time, but I was successful. Then when I tried again the conventional way, it didn't work. I don't abuse the power, only borrow."

He tilts his head as realisation seems to seep into his features.

"Show me?" he asks, squeezes softly your hand with his large one that you're still holding, unconsciously.

You nod, hesitantly shifting your gaze to the book in his lap. You focus on drawing from the energy surrounding the old hardback, watching as the swirls of your magic, invisible to the boy beside you, intertwined with with potent magic supplied by the Room's core. You felt a rush of power surge through you as the book begin to levitate from Mattheo's lap, only to fly into your awaiting palm. You inhaled sharply at the prickly feeling the magic left coarsing through your veins.

"Incredible." he mumbles as he stares between his lap and the book that you now had in your grip. "And you did that using the magic in the air, not your own?"

You nod. "It always leaves a minute lasting effect afterwards, sort of like a consequence of using another magical source. There has to be a balance. If I do it too much I begin to feel a little dizzy, but I've never fainted like I did in the Wing last week."

"I was right." he mutters to himself, nodding his head, his lips quirking. You raise a brow at him.

"Care to share with the rest of the class?" you question, sarcastically.

"You're a syphon, love."

You sit there for a moment, silently contemplating his words. A syphon. A rare ability among few witches over the centuries; even rarer than a seer.

"How'd you come to that conclusion?"

"I wasn't sure until you showed me how you draw power from the air around you."

When your face drops to a confused frown he draws your body into his, lifting you so that you're sat on his lap, facing him.

"Listen. This isn't a bad thing. It's far from a bad thing. Trust me, sweetheart." he reassures. It's obvious to you that he knows something that you don't.

"What aren't you telling me?" you mumble, hands reaching to mess with the curls at the nape of his neck.

"When its safe for you to know, I'll tell you I promise. But for the sake of saving my friends-"

"And you." you interrupt, but he only shakes his head.

"For the sake of my friends, I can't tell you until the time is right."

"And when will that be? After you ghost me for another week? A month?" you sigh. "Is that what you're going to do when we walk out of here?"

He sighs deeply, his hold on your hips tightening ever so slightly as he brings you closer to him.

"That was a mistake on my part, sweetheart. You make me feel things that I was certain I wouldn't ever feel. I'm truely sorry."

He seals the apology with a long, breathtaking kiss, which momentarily leaves you unable to speak.

~∞~

Some hours later, you're sat beside Hermione at the Gryffindor table for dinner, Harry sat opposite you both. Ron was further down the table with Lavender Brown practically in his lap, the former of your friends sending poorly hidden glares his way.

"How's befriending Professor Slughorn going, Harold?" you ask, taking a sip out of your bronze goblet. After Dumbledore's visit last week, you sought out your three friends and demanded answers regarding Slughorn and Harry. But much like you, Dumbledore wasn't being as straightforward with the Chosen One as he thought he would be, especially after the miscommunication of last year, which inadvertently got Harry's Godfather killed.

"Not brilliantly." Harry mumbled as he stabbed his fork into his chicken.

Hermione scoffed.

"He's completely understating." she said. "It's going abysmally."

"Well, what methods have you used to get the information?" you ask, incredulously. How difficult was it to get information out of a man who spent his free time in the pub drinking away his sobriety?

Harry stammered as he tried to think of a reply and you balked at him.

"You didn't just outright ask him did you? Harry are you an idiot?" He gaped at you as Hermione snickered behind her goblet.

"Dumbledore showed me the half-memory that Slughorn gave him. There's a vital piece of information missing." he cringed as your face morphed into further disbelief. He knew that you knew he'd done the complete opposite of the logical thing to do.

"Don't tell me you tried to play out the memory with him, when Voldemort's own son could have been eavesdropping from fifty feet away?" you snapped, feeling entirely not guilty for dragging Mattheo's name into it. What does that say about the person you've began transitioning into?

"I'm not an idiot." he ignored your deadpan look, shaking his head he rambled on. "I sought him out after our last potions lesson, when everyone had left."

He stopped abruptly, turning to Hermione who, in turn, swivelled to face you.

"Speaking of Riddle," she started. "You weren't in the library earlier when I went to find you. Actually, I haven't seen you since after Ancient Runes after lunch."

"You're name wasn't on the map." Harry accused, eyes narrowing behind his thin wire glasses. "Riddle's wasn't either."

"Why were you in the Room of Requirement with him?" Hermione asked gently, as if she were trying to coax a misbehaving child to fess up information.

Internally, you were beginning to panic; the lies and excuses you'd been sporting for Mattheo's sake fizzling out by the seams. Your heart was irratic and you would've confessed there and then, had it not been for the calming presence of Mattheo's magical core in your mind.

What's wrong sweetheart, you look like you're going to pop a blood vessell.

Charming, Matt truly. You snark and he chuckles in your mind before his presence washes a feeling of seriousness over you.

What's wrong? He's insistent.

They're suspicious of us. Of why we were in the Come and Go room together.

How did they know about that?

That isn't important. You weren't stupid enough to give away one of Harry's best assets. What do I tell them without having to lie. I can't bare to lie again.

He's silent for a moment and you internally curse him as Harry and Hermione seem to be berating you, but you hear none of it, focusing on the pulsing of Mattheo's magic as he takes his sweet time to respond.

Tell them what you were doing. Say that you were annoyed by my avoidance; that it interrupted your schedule; that I was taking advantage of your time.

Harry was in the middle of a they-are-all-Death-Eaters spiel when you interrupted him to finally answer after what had only been a few moments.

"I don't know what you want me to say, Harry. I've been tutoring him since the start of the year. Which you both already knew." you send a look towards Hermione, who shrinks away. "He's been avoiding me all week – Rowena knows why – so I made Theo tell me where he was."

You stifled a laugh when Theo dropped his fork under the deathly glare that Mattheo sent his way.

Behave. You mentally slap him.

He smirked wickedly at you.

"He was probably doing his father's bidding." Harry spat.

"Maybe. But he needs a stellar Ancient Runes grade if he wants Theo to keep him on the Quidditch team. I'm doing Teddy a favour, nothing more." you reassure, and while it was only a half-lie, the guilt ate away at you all the same.

The pair seemed to sigh in tandem before Hermione turned to you, apology written all over her face. The guilt seemed to intensify.

"Just–" she paused, glancing over at the Slytherin table momentarily. "Just be careful will you? I don't want you to get hurt."

"I am being careful Mione, don't worry about me." you smile, but your pretty sure that, and judging by her unconvincing glance shared with your friend, she doesn't believe a word you say.

And after what happened in the Room that could grant you whatever you wished for, you weren't so believing in your resolve either.

~∞~

wasn't actually planning on writing smut this early but it kind of just happened lol this ones quite a long one, but i had a lot of things to add for the plot

sidenote; ive finally started reading acotar after its been on my tiktok fyp for time and low-key i see why i dnf'd the first time i tried reading it😭 but im speeding through it actually - im on like chapter 20 i think

taglist:

@camille-1019 @lovelyygirl8 @xluansstuff @babeylover @thejadeazalea @undercover-smutlover @adhxmoony @dreamingofonceuponatime @thepassionatereader @urmomsgayforme5 @aphroditeisamilf @devotedlycrookeddonut @purplegirls-posts @nofacenonamelikekira @foxboyapologist @lafrone @lovely-maryj @nromanovaswife @leeknows-wife @dracygf @wildlyobserving @ravenclawprincess33 @melllinaa @vellicora @lantsovheiress @emiliahoward @stunkbiggu @vcosette @prongsprincessworld @mattiesgirl @rachmmb @x-kermit-x @sun-fiower-seed

[lukolabrainrot]

Toronto and Ireland (Part 1)

I observed a shift in L/N's behavior and non-verbal cues by the time they got to Toronto. Their non-verbal cues signaled to me that there was a since of ease and confidence with them BTS. However, I think that looked very different in both locations. Refer to my timeline theories here on my thoughts on what was going on between L/N before Toronto. Below are my thoughts.

Toronto

Let's first address the fact that there was a break between Brazil and Toronto. It was ~2 weeks from what I remember. During the break the following happened:

L went back and liked all of A's posts back to July 2023. Previously, he had only liked her posts up to October/November 2023.

A chopped her hair off

I believe the DM likes from A's mom occurred around this point as well (or during Brazil)

There were some SoHo Farmhouse pics posted by A (I believe?), but no one could confirm if those were current or old photos (as A has a history of posting old photos to insinuate she is with L in real time when she isn't)

There was nothing else though to publicly link L/A during this break (from my understanding, correct me if I am wrong?)

This break is also when the rumored Spain trip between L/N occurred (but there is no evidence this actually occurred)

N was publicly seen at the Mighty Hoopla music festival with her friends the weekend before Toronto

N and L appear to fly into Toronto on separate flights

Alright I am going to throw out something that is purely a theory, regarding A, at that point in time, and now. I've kind of avoided directly talking about my theories on A because I just don't have enough information to confidently analyze what is going on. But with everything that has come out recently, and especially this week, I feel more and more confident on this theory (but again, it's just a theory):

As I mentioned, I firmly believe L/N physically acted on their feelings at points on the tour, and by Brazil, A was FLIPPING OUT because I think she sensed L pulling away. A had been around for a while, and I don't believe there were any firm boundaries/labels set on their relationship, but A had her sights set on riding his coattails and trying to get fame/attention from being in his orbit. She is also DEEPLY insecure and envious of N. Lastly, she is a WILD CARD and had been publicly known about in the fandom for a while. I think there was some overlap between N and A, and L did not want A leaking that s**t. Whyy... because he LOVES N. This is also his bed he made, and he needed to lie in it and clean up his mess. The optics of all of this do not look good for L & N if all of this information got released to the public. I also think that's why the DM comments got scrubbed on the site (which doesn't just happen out of thin air). He needed to start cleaning s**t up if he and N ever want to go public someday.

Therefore, he went back during the break to make up with A and reassure A he wasn't just going to drop her from his orbit (hence things like liking more of her posts so people took notice, and it made it seem they were more serious than previously thought). Tbh, I don't think it was very hard for him to keep her appeased because I honestly don't think this relationship goes any deeper than casual and transactional.

Then L/N became even more obvious about their feelings during Toronto and Ireland imo, and then all hell broke loose at the premiere (because a certain 🐜 was PISSED and getting revenge).

My whole point with all this is this. L was NEVER going to be able to unravel from A during the PR tour because it had already become public that she was connected to L (even if he was already checked out at this point). He was always going to have to officially acknowledge A to the public, let people get use to them as a "unit", and then slowly unravel over a couple of months in a way that satisfied A and didn't encourage her to go rogue (because I think we are getting more and more proof that she DOES go rogue). This included what we have seen between them since the premiere. I firmly believe that A has some information that would eff up L&N being able to confidently go public at some point if they want to without this really messy public narrative (because if L/N ARE indeed working on their relationship, it is probably going to be a little messy no matter what when/if they go public). L is letting A therefore get the attention she wants rn, and trying to stay as publicly unconnected to N as possible. I think he severely underestimated the impact this was all going to have on his career though (at least in the short-term). Do I think this also probably put somewhat of a strain on his relationship with N? Most likely, yes. However, they have known each other for many years, and have gone through a lot together. I don't think N sees A as a threat to her and L in any way, and I think L/N are figuring things out in private. And do I think just because A is still in L's orbit that that means they are super happy and madly in love? Absolutely not. The optics of everything we have seen around L/A since the premiere speak VOLUMES, and that is all I will say on that.

I was fired up about all of this because of the events this week, so I needed to get this off my chest 😅 I think though that everything we have seen between L/A since after Brazil is just another indicator that L/N are serious about each other (if that makes sense). THIS IS JUST A THEORY THOUGH.

And does this all seem messy? Yes. Because the short answer is that it is. Human beings though are messy, and I think unfortunately a lot of this played out on a very public stage, so everyone is trying to figure out what to do now.

Alright, back to Toronto. A lot of people thought the vibes seemed off between L/N, but I disagree. This was the part of the tour where I started coming to the conclusion that there was something BIG going on between L/N BTS (in a good way), that went deeper than just wild sexual chemistry/attraction. Here are my thoughts:

I personally think L/N took time during the break to have some big conversations in private about their future together, in a "normal" setting outside of the tour. I think they came to a conclusion that their feelings were larger than just the show and tour, and that this was going to be one of those BIG relationships for both of them. I think they also had conversations about how A was going to tie into the public narrative after the tour (but I think A hijacked that narrative). But I think L/N were very much on the same page going into Toronto.

I also get this sense that by this point in Toronto, it was getting harder for them to hide what was going on because things were getting more serious, and they were ALL LOVEY DOVEY AND HAPPY BTS. Although I am going to be honest, I don't think they ever hid their feelings for each other very well on the tour (especially L). And this was all kind of new as well. Therefore, I think that's where some of the "awkward" vibes were coming from, but their nonverbal cues didn't read as disconnect to me (like the beginning of Italy did).

I also have a feeling they were EXHAUSTED by this point, and probably so tired of answering the same questions (I swear, I bet they never want to talk about the carriage scene again 😂). I also heard that they might have been sick in Toronto, so all of this might have also played into the shift in energy.

However, a lot of key things happened in Toronto that signaled to me there had been a positive emotional shift between them. I really started to notice the "couple" eyes between them, and N's walls really dropped and the heart eyes were in full force. Toronto had my favorite interview of them during the tour, which I posted here. We got the the thigh rub from N, the beginning of the Ryan Gosling jealousy from L (I believe), L beginning to get more comfortable and silly on interviews (he seemed VERY happy, and a lot more confident by this point, which I found very interesting 🤔), a few instances where L/N would get lost in a moment with each other and forget they were on an interview, N reassuring L that he was her "favorite", and photos and video of L meeting some of N's extended family (and he looked very happy in the video). Also N didn't end up posting a "bf" pic of L (even though she did for Italy, Brazil, and Ireland). Now it could mean nothing (and it's probably just a coincidence), but I just find it interesting (in a good way 🤔). Yes, a lot of this could be chalked up to PR, and some of it probably was. However, most of this just DID NOT read as professional PR to me. It just wasn't.

Lastly, we got THIS pic of them below in Toronto 👀:

I am going to post an article below about body language between couples in photos. I don't agree with all of the article, but it does have some interesting facts/comments. I would highly recommend looking over the article a little, and looking back at the video that had the compilation of them posing at the different tour stops. I know that this was 100% cutesy PR (and I am not trying to imply they were necessarily an "official couple"), but I found it very telling about HOW they chose to pose at each stop. I feel like it spoke VOLUMES about what was going on between them at each stop. I do want to say that we can't 100% know what was going on for them emotionally BTS at each stop, but I do think it gives us a glimpse. Which is why I found this picture PARTICULARLY interesting. It just screams comfort and security (even with the weird lighting lol).

My point with all this is that I think we caught L/N at a big turning point in their relationship at Toronto, which led to some of the awkward energy at times, but not because they were beefing. I think BTS they were really happy, but they knew they had to not let the WHOLE cat out of the bag, so they were trying to kind of put up a little distance. However, they slipped up constantly, and then everything came to a peak, and that's why we got the magic that was the Ireland stops. I'll talk about my thoughts on Ireland in my Part 2 post, because there is a LOT to talk about. 😅

[hamsternella]

Immortal!König x Fem!Reader

cw: mentions of non-con, obsession, possessiveness, inspired by Mad Max: Fury Road, MDNI

.

.

You were his favorite. Of all the wives you had been the only one to give him a strong, healthy son—a pure, clean baby. Of all those frightened and rebellious women, you were the only one with the mettle of a sage and the loyalty of a dog. You, the wife of submissive demeanor and gaze at his feet; always guarded by him, your ruler, König.

Your life had been doomed since the one who, then just a teenager, with a soft face and hands tanned by metal and sand, snatched you from the arms of your parents, lost in the middle of a devouring desert of men and hopes. That boy so pure and lethal, with bloody hands and nimble legs, bound you to an uncertain fate. He desecrated the purity of your mind when you were barely a creature, small and malleable; and though hatred grew softly and silently within you, it was your lips sealed against his on your coming of age, and the day of marital union, that led you to have to accept the inevitable.

König certainly loved you. It was not a love as such, the kind that can be described in poems or songs. This was a raw and painful love, where your judgment drowned in the darkness of a room sealed like a cage. Where your body lay on soft, neat sheets—where your tears soaked them. You hated König, even if he swore to watch over you and the hundreds of children you would bear him in the future with your fertile womb. You hated him with all your soul; even if feeling his body collide with yours took you into an abyss of terrifying pleasure you never thought you could access. All of this was familiar from the years, but it still felt alien to you, to who you were. To who you were supposed to be— no, who you wanted to be.

And he was so repulsively sweet. The sex was not satisfying at first. König enjoyed defiling you hard and fast, always seeking to fill you to the brim with his seed. Abundant and warm. The elixir of an immortal ruler; sometimes the dregs of a perverse humanity that had become attached to his blood and bones. But ever since you gave him his first healthy son, the nights of union were of caresses and halting words; gasps and stifled moans as his cock stroked the fringe of your wet entrance, always trying to find that spot where he could sink to the base; the tip of his member reaching those spots that tore tears and pleas from you.

Time made it clear that among all his wives you were the favorite, the best. The only woman with a sacred womb, capable of carrying strong and invincible warriors through the plagues of the desert; the one who carried with her the total attention of her ruler, maintaining his expectations and his affection. You had the best clothes, the best food, the best companions and even a room apart from the other wives—König was too paranoid that a fit of jealousy could end your life or that of your future babies. The coolest and safest thing for the only creature in the world that could give him something other than the death and flaws he had been condemned to deal with. How could he risk losing you?

Eventually König begins to feel lovesick. You don't understand why, exactly, but you know that what is happening is not a good thing. The confinement, the jealousy, the possessiveness and the insistence on keeping you pregnant is weighing you down; the relationship that once began as something merely transactional —your life and integrity at stake— was suddenly a nightmare in the flesh in which you had to survive by avoiding stepping on the husks on the floor. One false move and who knows what König would be capable of to prove to this perverse world that you were not at the mercy of life's coincidences. Cruel, unstoppable, undeniable... König had to do the impossible to stay tied to your side.

[lunastrophe]

If I missed this in your pinned post, I truly apologize. Are there marriages in drow culture? Or is that considered silly because of how men are viewed overall? Did Houses have other ways of securing alliances with each other?

Hello and no need to apologize, I have not touched this topic yet 🙂 In general, in Lolth-sworn drow culture marriages are practiced, but mainly in merchant clans and among commoners - usually to formally stregthen bonds between (or inside) clans or families.

🕷️ In Noble Families - noble females are free to choose and discard their mates, either by simply leaving them, or by killing them, without formalizing their relationship through marriage.

Even claiming a male as a consort or a patron is done without any particular ceremony or formalities, although traditionally, such male is given the female's family name and is considered a member of her house.

An unusual example of two noble Lolth-sworn drow formally entering a marriage were Tiago Baenre and Saribel Xorlarrin. Saribel, being only a minor priestess, was treating this marriage as an opportunity to elevate her station - she even took her husband's family name and was allowing him to hold the upper hand in their relationship, which was very much against drow custom.

🕷️ Marriages Among Merchants And Commoners - according to Drow of the Underdark (2e), drow marriages are generally "transient things" and they usually last for a year or for a decade, with a possibility of renewal.

In merchant clans, "security demands that mates be of the same clan, or that an outsider be taken into the clan, if a relationship develops."

In Drow of the Underdark (3.5e), it is mentioned that "in some cases, an appropriate marriage can bring two families together into one larger unit, but in most cases the male is simply subsumed into the female’s family line."

More information on drow marriages from DotU (3.5e): Marriage is primarily a political or financial arrangement. Drow marry to formalize alliances, to combine family resources, or - in some cases - to cement their dominance over a weaker ally or companion. No stigma is attached to children born out of wedlock, but a child born of a marriage has a stronger claim to her parents' wealth and power if something happens to the parents. Thus, some drow marry before procreating, to ensure that everything they have achieved remains in the family line.

Most drow marriages are monogamous, not due to moral or religious doctrine, but because few drow are willing to allow more than one other individual that close to them on a regular basis. A few drow marriages do involve multiple partners, however. These arrangements usually involve a single drow female taking numerous male partners, but other combinations are not unheard of.

🕷️ Ceremony - priestesses of Loth sometimes perform social ceremonies like marriages, but "this is usually done as a favor (eventually requiring repayment, of course) to another powerful drow." Among low-ranking drow, a priestess "might perform a marriage ceremony in exchange for several barrels of fine lichen wine and a potion of invisibility." (DotU, 3.5e)

Unfortunately, nothing more is known about the ceremony itself.

• It should be noted that in other drow cultures, marriage can be perceived differently and does not need to be purely transactional. Eilistraeans, for example, have specific marriage ceremony called the Love-Binding and in their culture, marriage bond is typically based on love.

🕷️ Securing Alliances - Lolth-sworn drow alliances are based mainly on mutual gain and generally, they last as long as they pay off. They can be strengthened by exchange of house members - by accepting a member of lesser house into a more powerful house, for example - or by various favours and debts connecting the families. In the end, though... well, according to drow saying, "all trust is foolish", so drow probably tend to see every alliance as more or less temporary.

[michanvalentine]

I forced my husband to play Baldur's Gate 3. His Tav is a female tiefling monk. Now, don’t ask me why, but this man first flirted with Astarion until the vampire spawn told him to buzz off. Then he snuck away with Shadowheart for a bottle of wine and a sunrise kiss, only to settle down and start a family with Gale. Setting aside the bizarre path my husband took, I finally got to see firsthand what it’s like to romance the wizard from Waterdeep.

In my own playthroughs, poor Gale has always been sidelined in favor of other romances, even though I didn’t dislike the idea of being with him. The very first time I played, I accidentally ended up with Astarion (while trying to woo Shadowheart, mind you), and Gale was really sad and resentful the next morning. He said something about how maybe he hadn’t been mysterious/charming/talkative enough, and how simply being himself hadn’t been enough to beat out the vampire spawn (trust me, Gale, you don’t want to learn those skills the way Astarion did).

The second time I played, I had a clear plan and went through the adventure as Astarion, romancing Shadowheart first and then Halsin—which was unexpected. The third time, I had another clear goal: I wanted to do an evil run and see what would happen if I helped Astarion ascend (and yes, I regretted it and replayed the ending in a good alignment, lol). In that run, poor Gale never made it out of the portal he was stuck in and ended up losing a hand because of my absolutely awful Bhaalspawn trash character.

Aaaaaanyway, I’m giving you all this context to say that Gale is just the sweetest. Really. He’s so endearing, and honestly, he’d do anything for the person he loves. Actually, he tends to overdo it a bit. The guy seriously needs to have more confidence in himself and stop always being so... available. But what surprised me the most was how quickly and easily he told my husband’s Tav that he loved her. Just like that, pure and simple. I wasn’t expecting it. And that’s when I started to think...

...I thought about why it seemed strange to me, and then I realized it was because of my romance with Astarion. Because for the vampire spawn, the concept of love or a romantic relationship as we understand it— a communion of senses, ideas, feelings, emotions, and goals— is something abstract that no longer fits within his worldview. For him, everything is transactional, tied to dynamics of power. Love is a weapon, both to wound and be wounded, to control or be controlled. It’s probably also something dirty to him after all those years spent luring partners.

He even says that being with someone, any kind of intimacy, dredges up feelings of disgust for him. So unlike Gale, Astarion can’t immediately recognize that feeling for what it is: love, with a capital "L." Instead, it becomes “whatever this thing is between us.” Something undefined, something to be understood. To be discovered, if you will. Because it’s there, but he don't know how decode it, he can’t decode it—he doesn’t have the tools. He lost them along the way. And that’s utterly heartbreaking—200 years without love.

So, thinking back to that pivotal question, What are we to you?, and his awkward response, I feel an overwhelming tenderness. Astarion doesn’t know how to answer. At first, he tries to deflect, playing it off with the allure of mystery: Isn’t it nice not to know? But he feels uncomfortable, inadequate, and beneath the frustration in his tone, you can sense the fear and anxiety of disappointing or even losing Tav/Durge. So he makes an effort, tries to come up with an answer. He rationalizes, stumbles through it, eliminating possibilities: You’re not a target, nor a victim, nor a night best forgotten. He still can’t free himself from the old framework of relationships and intimacy, but he understands that this is different. He just doesn’t know how to define it yet: Then what else could you possibly be?

This gives an idea of how deep Cazador’s imprint is and how much damage two centuries under his control have done. Astarion hasn’t just forgotten his appearance; he’s forgotten the simplicity and naturalness of loving and being loved. And what it means to have a healthy relationship—with himself and with others.

It’s no surprise that, for the most part, he acts like a jerk. And let’s be honest, even after regaining certain concepts, Astarion will always remain an antihero with his wonderful flaws. But that’s part of why we love him, isn’t it?

What’s even more remarkable, though, is when, at the end of his quest, he finally says I love you. It’s not shocking because he says he loves us—we already knew that. The shock comes from the fact that he can finally say it out loud and mean it in the full, conscious sense of the word. Because, once again, our favorite little jerk has grown. Slowly and with great effort, Astarion in Act III has reached the level of understanding and self-awareness that Gale had in Act II. xD

So yes, I went on this absurdly long and roundabout tangent just to say that I absolutely adore Astarion's belated "I love you," without taking anything away from the incredibly sweet Gale. They're both fantastic characters!

[melmedardasworld]

Thoughts on the latest hot take going around surrounding Ambessa? People claiming that she's either a sociopath or psychopath?

I think.......people don't seem to understand how much of Ambessa's actions are driven by pure fear. Fear of losing everything she worked for. Fear of dying. Fear of losing her family. But of course she can't show that fear for any reason because it'll be seen as a sign of weakness. And as a leader, you can't afford to be seen as weak. So she keeps her fear within and hardens her exterior.

But obviously,that hardness can't fly when you're raising kids, especially when you have one like Mel who's naturally empathic and quite sensitive (even in utero). Maybe Kino and her stepfather was able to step in and bolster her emotionally and affectionately where Ambessa couldn't (or wasn't able to) and that's why she's so attached to them both. The mention of Kino's death was enough to stop Mel in her tracks outright.

Ambessa couldn't seem to understand why Mel is the way she is, so she tried to remake her in her image. Then when that didn't work,she sent her to Piltover in an attempt to maintain her hard front (thus the whole "you weakened me" conversation). She saw a younger, "weaker" version of herself in Mel and couldn't bear it, so she did what she does best and pushed her aside.

Hi anon, so awesome question/remark and love your insights and sorry it took me so long to answer this.

I haven’t seen this take go around personally, but it’s an interesting question. I’ll try to break some of my points down. Also, I am no LoL expert, but I’ve been slowly getting into the lore, places, characters, factions etc and try to see things from the ‘POV’ of the characters and how that would form their different worldview and that’s what I tried to do with Ambessa.

Ambessa embodies complexity where she walks a fine line between a merciless ruler and a deeply flawed but protective and narcissistic mother.

The term "psychopath" often describes someone with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Key traits include manipulativeness, impulsivity, lack of empathy, and failure to conform to societal norms. Ambessa certainly exhibits some of these traits—especially her manipulative tendencies and ruthless pragmatism—BUT the context of her culture, the Noxian one, it muddies the waters.

Ambessa’s aggressive and warlike nature is culturally appropriate for Noxus, where strength, cunning, and survival dominate societal values. She was introduced her to death and war at a young age, preparing her to thrive in a brutal world. As a result, what might seem psychopathic elsewhere is normalized within her context.

Manipulation vs Empathy

Ambessa’s relationship with Mel, challenges the idea that she lacks empathy. There are many key moments where she does show genuine care, even if it is in her own way and it doesn’t make it psychopathic or sociopathic, I feel. Now how that translates and shaped Mel is whole other discussion and a can of worms.

1. Ambessa says she cast Mel out because she "couldn’t endure the look in [her] eyes" when making harsh decisions—a clear sign of emotional vulnerability. But a lot of it also has to do with Mel’s hidden powers and the BR going after her.

2. S2, Ambessa prioritizes Mel’s safety above all, a stark contrast to her calculated, militaristic demeanor.

These actions imply that Ambessa feels deeply for her daughter but struggles to balance love with Noxian ideals of strength and control.

Love and Power

Does Ambessa love Mel, or is she merely using her for power? This duality defines much of her arc. While her actions sometimes appear transactional (e.g., viewing Mel as an important asset for the Hextech and successfully influencing/ manipulating Jayce), her emotional reactions—especially moments of visible pain and hesitation when she tells Mel why she left her and also in S2, the revelation of what happened to Kino her ‘sweetness’, when facing the Black Rose—show that her (motherly) love is genuine and powerful, albeit twisted and pragmatic at times by her Noxian upbringing. She keeps Mel away from it all even if she pushes her away and family means EVERYTHING to Ambessa, but she’ll also do everything to keep her family intact and protected. Even more fiercely after Kino’s death.

My answer:

While Ambessa exhibits traits that explain what ASPD is—manipulativeness, control, and strategic deceit—in my opinion she doesn’t meet the criteria:

Empathy: Ambessa shows a fierce (struggling) emotional depth, especially regarding her children.

Impulsivity: She is highly calculated, planning wars and manipulations with precision.

Emotional Control: While she thrives in war, personal losses (Rictus’s death for example) deeply affect her, showing emotional vulnerability.

Rather than a psychopath, Ambessa might be better described as a character with narcissistic tendencies shaped by her harsh environment and the culture she grew up in, which is Noxus and soooo different from Piltover.

A Legacy of Duality

Ambessa’s arc concludes with her acknowledgment of Mel as both "fox" and "wolf"—a blend of cunning and strength that defines survival in their world. Even in her dying words, Ambessa’s pride in Mel’s growth underlines her complex humanity.

Ambessa’s story is not one of psychopathy but of survival, legacy, and the blurred lines between love and control. A Legacy of Duality

[luniviravosshipper]

Before this upcoming season comes out, I just want to go on the record and say that Terry was always one of my most favorite characters since the moment he was first introduced. I never understood all the backlash his character got for playing such a supporting role in the magefam dynamic because I thought his character had a lot of potential and was going to be incredibly essential for how their dynamic progressed throughout the series.

Terry is, like, a legitimately good person. It’s so odd to see all the criticisms he gets for being “too good” to be associated with the magefam when I think the existence of his character and his relationship with them fundamentally qualifies the right and wrong doings of both the antagonists and the protagonists. And that’s like something I’ve heard people complain about for a long time, the idea that somehow the show was painting the two sides of the cast too much in “black and white”, yet those same people are failing to give this character the proper recognition he deserves when he manages to still uphold his own sense of morals while being associated with the “big bad guys” of the show. And that’s because he isn’t being a bad person by being close to them, if anything, it shows how truly understanding and sympathetic of a person he is.

His character embodies a lot of the core messages the show tries to project but seems to be often overlooked about cycles and love and morality. And that’s especially evident in his relationship with Claudia.

Terry’s love for Claudia doesn’t deter him from being a good person, it actually challenges him to be a better one and to help her become better too in return (I’m sure we’ll see more of that this upcoming season). Even seeing the road she has been led down and is headed towards the end of, he still promises to not leave her side. But also, we see that he is able to simultaneously express openly what he believes and feels to be true. He has so far been shown actively advocating for Claudia and what he feels she needs which has in some cases made it necessary for him to argue against her choices or the people who could potentially hurt her if she lets them (like a certain sparkly elf).

I really hope that Terry doesn’t put himself first like so many people are insisting he should. I hope he actually fights for Claudia. That he keeps his promise and doesn’t leave her side unless he finds he really needs to in order to do what he thinks is best for both him and her. I don’t want him to be selfish, I think the idea that his love for Claudia is enough for him is perfectly fine and I don’t know why there is such a strong urging from people for him to want something more out of their relationship as if his love for her can only be fully pure or worth it if their relationship is transactional.

The idea that he would be willing to stick with her through thick and thin while still standing up for what he thinks is just and right because he simply loves her that much is ultimately far more compelling to me rather then him being more willing to drop her at a second’s notice simply because her choices conflate with his morals.

And, see, the thing is the second option wouldn’t even work. Because that would mean he would have to sacrifice his own love and care for her and potentially hurt her by breaking a promise that meant so much to her. And that would be going directly against what he believes in.

We’ll see what this season has in store, but I cannot honestly imagine a scenario where he’d supposedly be standing his moral ground by making an essentially selfish decision like that. That isn’t to say I don’t think they could write a scenario where he leaves her in a way that works (from some of the reviews it even sounds like that is what might happen), but just that I don’t really agree with what I’ve seen others specifically suggest should happen and how that should play out.

Anyways, I know this isn’t getting into how he seems to be cool with dark magic and tolerates Claudia’s negative feelings towards other elves, but I have thoughts and opinions on all of that too. I just can’t get into all of them rn before the season comes out. (I was actually planning on doing a whole other post on that but I don’t have the time or energy rn.)

[stromuprisahat]

Both show and book Darkling is good, but I think I like the book version a bit more because he's more complicated. What you said is true about the book version. He doesn't want to love Alina, but he ends up catching feelings for her anyway. In book 3, I think his feelings for her become borderline obesession and a twisted version of love. Baghra told him in TDITW that she would destroy a hundred villages if it meant keeping him safe. That's her version of "I love you." I honestly think Sasha is confused by these feelings and just doesn't know how to respond to them

note: Ask was sent before season two came out. (probably the post refered to)

His mother's influence certainly played a part. Another would be his age, all that he's been through and lack of other lasting emotional attachments. His love never had a chance to manifest in some pure, innocent way.

Baghra raised him to have ties to no one but her. While preparing him to survive in any way she could think of, she ironically denied him one of the basic human propensities- he wasn't allowed to naturally socialize. All interaction with "outsiders" were about caution, sizing up and possible gain or loss. He was taught to expect a transaction. Not even his mother's love was unconditional, and I have a feeling he might consider the concept a foolishness.

When you look at the outline of his past, he learnt he'll lose everyone he might grow attached to, and not necessarily to old age. How many times did he have to watch his loved ones murdered, killed by accident or illness, grow distant or outright betray him? No wonder he clings to his mother even once he's aware she's bad for him. No wonder he sort of wants Alina only to himself. Why would she try to abandon him, if he were the only thing she has? He, himself knows the alternative would be being alone and Alina doesn't really want that any more than he does.

Her immortality ensures the likelihood of loosing her to death is as little as it can be, so he's free to deal with other, less violent "risks".

I'm gonna admit I'd be much more sympathetic to Alina's situation, were he not right about harmfulness of her relationship with Malyen and her clinging to her past in general. I'd also say his aversion to Nikolai isn't only about jealousy. That can of worms is deeper than simple "He proposed to my girl!".

[hellbrainrot]

Daemon/Alys vs Aemond/Alys dynamics

Another long post..... (I barely proofread this sorry)

The writers have intergrated the procephy throughout the narrative so from a broader viewpoint it makes sense that the show has framed Daemon and Alys as having a mutual friendship as it is needed for alys to have some sort of influence in his life because as she said he is just a piece on the board and her influence is essentially her guiding him--making sure he will stay the course and play his role in the story that has been set in stone.

Which gets me to my main point-- I’m confused on why a lot people are saying Alysmond will be a repeat of Daemon and Alys or that it will be the complete opposite. I don't think it will be the same because Daemon’s introspection was done through visions and daemon didn’t know that alys was the one psychologically torturing him he just think she is this strange woman. Alys did have an effect on him but it was really only by proxy as it was the visions of seeing Rhaenyra , Viserys and Laena that truly opended him on a emotional level there wasn’t really any personal or deep conversations between alys & daemon it was more of a kinship .

People like to do a lot of comparison that they ignore the possibility that alys can potentially have a positive influence on both of them it doesn’t have to be one or the other. Just because she was cordial with Daemon doesn’t negate the possibility that she might treat Aemond in a similar fashion.  She will need to get close with Aemond as she did with Daemon to get him to where he needs to be which is their final battle at the God's Eye. This aligns with Gayle’s quote about Alys, where she says, "She's going to hold a lot of power for the men inside of this story. Alys is portrayed as someone who understands the bigger picture and she will use her power to guide Daemon and Aemond toward their destined roles.

I don't think aemond's dynamic with alys will be a cookie-cutter romance but out of all the characters in the show Aemond is the most emotionally closed off which is why I am excited with his potential dynamic with alys as she could be the one who he can open him up in a way that he hasn’t done with anyone in his family . 

Aemond’s relationship with his family is shaped by his desire to be a stoic warrior and protector. However, this has left him emotionally incapable of allowing his family to see his true self. He isn’t even able to be honest with them, though we know he is capable of expressing himself and telling the truth. The only time he has done so was with the madam—someone outside of his family. As the story progresses, I think we have the opportunity to see much more of Aemond’s “true” self, not just glimpses. Alys will likely be the only person he can connect with on a level that is not bound by duty nor purely transactional.

A quote from Ryan Condal: "Alys is a very tortured character and we are not done with her. We love Gayle Rankin and her performance, and we have much more to explore with her. There's a very interesting story that's yet to come to the surface…" --- I'm hoping the reasons behind why she is tortured will be explored more throughout s3 and yes with Aemond as it will allow for both of these characters to connect with each other on a pure emotionally intimate level.

In the end, I believe Alys’s character will play an integral role in both Aemond’s and Daemon’s stories. However, while Alys had a more background role in Daemon’s arc, she will likely take on a central role in Aemond’s.