#Does she like her opportunity in the union? Did she have opportunities when she was in college? These are my questions

[oodlesodoodles]

[nebulaafterdark]

At The Pleasure Of The Crown (Part 2)

Summary: Aegon and his wife regularly visit the silk streets. One night they happen upon Aemond behind one of the curtains, the rest is history.

18+ ONLY MDNI Targcest, smut, infidelity, manipulation, etc.

Aegon Targaryen x Velaryon(Strong)!Reader

Aemond Targaryen x Velaryon(Strong)!Reader

Part 1

Aegon and Aemond have been at war from the time they were boys. Over what exactly, neither can say. For Aegon’s part, he’s never truly known the love of his mother, not the way Aemond did. Mayhaps that is where it started.

The tree remembers, the axe forgets.

Despite the teasing his elder brother inflicted upon him, Aemond wanted only to win his approval; and that of his father. Marrying Y/N boosted Aegon’s worth in Viserys’ eyes, while Aemond remained the boy irreparably damaged, over an insult.

The tree remembers, the axe forgets.

Then of course there is Y/N, the only daughter of Rhaenyra Targaryen; used as a means to broker peace between warring houses since she was no more than a child. Made to ease the suffering of those around her, at great personal expense.

The tree remembers, the axe forgets.

Each of them shaped by unsteady hands, hoping only for the best.

The tree remembers, the axe regrets.

Over the moon turn since Aemond hath inserted himself upon their union, not one of them has known peace. All angry or pining for another, because of a misunderstanding. Because of a book, because of a sword fight, because of a single glance.

Even seated round the council table, Aemond stares at their entwined hands. Love is a curious thing, in all its different forms. Y/N is never going to love him the way she does Aegon.

“What will my children call you?”

“Aemond, or uncle. Same as they always have.”

“What will your children call me?” The wound is still fresh, raw and aching as Aegon presses against it.

“It will be nearly impossible to tell…whether they are yours or mine, until they are grown.” Aemond admits, “I suppose they might call us both father.”

Y/N buries her head in her hands, sick with the guilt of what she’s done.

Dying in the name of love is noble sacrifice, killing one’s self to love another is a senseless endeavor.

“Sometimes these things happen.”

————————————————————————

“Are you not speaking to me?” Aemond asks, when he manages to get Y/N alone.

“What difference does it make? My words mean little to you.”

Aemond sighs, “I apologize for my lapse in judgment. I should not have said those things to Aegon.”

“Knowing what he means to me, how could you be so cruel?” The princess snaps.

Aemond purses his lips, “my brother made fun of me for the whole of my life. I saw an opportunity to return the favor. I am sorry for it.”

“Is that what this is to you?” Y/N whispers, “is that what I am to you? Revenge against your brother, at long last?”

“No,” Aemond growls, “you are…you know what you are to me.”

“Speak it.” Y/N insists, “tell me what I am to you.”

Aemond closes the space between them, taking her face between his hands. “You are my friend.”

“And that is enough for you?”

“If that is all I’m allowed.” Those who are starved will eat anything.

“Even if we were to marry, it would not be fair to you. I love Aegon, I will always love him. We grew up together, he and I. Day and night for ten years, we have been together. I enjoy your company and I should like to keep it, but I am in want of a friend. I have a husband.”

To be so tragically entangled.

“It matters not if he is studied in the histories, or if he holds interest in matters of the court. So long as I am studied, so long as I hold interest in the court. The duties are mine, the burdens are mine.”

“I only wish to help you,” Aemond breathes.

“You can’t,” Y/N shakes her head. “You cannot help me. You cannot come into my life and uproot it. I’ve children, Aemond. Aegon’s children, who need my love and affection more than anyone.

Children who grow up in the absence of love spend the rest of their lives wanting for it; no matter how much they are given. Like pouring into a bottomless cup, endless and painful because it never fills. It is cracked from the time they are small and can never be fixed. I’ve seen the difference between children born of love and those born of duty. My children will know which they are.”

“Who fills your cup once he’s drained it?”

“The gods provide.” Y/N swipes at traitorous tears, threatening to fall. “They always do.”

“Whores then,” Aemond understands. Why the pleasure house, why the wine, why the constant thirst for knowledge. “I could fuck you as well as any.”

Y/N turns away from him. “It would mean something more to you and…”

“It would not mean a thing to me.”

————————————————————————

Aemond makes his way to the silk streets, tearing back curtains, until he spots the silver sheen of his brother’s hair. Pressed back into a pillow as one of the brunettes works herself over his cock. It is not lost on him, how much the pretty little thing resembles Aegon’s wife. “I need a word with you.”

Aegon huffs a laugh, feeling the woman above him begin to pull away. “Ah, ah,” he chides, “you stay right there. Doing the gods’ work, you are.”

The woman sighs, happily, “thank you, your grace.”

He gives her hips an affection squeeze, before turning his attention back to Aemond. “What is it you need?”

“I was hoping to apologize, for the way I have conducted myself.”

“All is forgiven, brother.” Aegon waves a dismissive hand. “My wife is an endearing mystery, it is not your fault for taking interest.”

Aemond cocks his head to the side, “to what do I owe your sudden change of heart?”

“Y/N and I talked,” Aegon grins. “Whichever parts of her you are stimulating, do it well for me. Tell her I love her, while you’re at it.”

Part 3

Series Taglist : @oh-you-mean-me @callsignwidow @iliterallyhavenoideawhattosay @cluz1babe @visenyareads @kiwibaekie

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Some Law-Related Vocabulary

for your poem/story (pt. 2/4)

Admiralty - of or relating to conduct on the sea

Alter ego - second self

Attractive nuisance - a thing or condition on one's property that poses a risk to children who may be attracted to it without realizing the risk by virtue of their youth

Bequest - an act of bequeathing

Bequeath - to give by will

Bona vacantia - goods that are unclaimed and without an apparent owner

Capricious - governed or characterized by impulse or whim (e.g., lacking a rational basis; likely to change suddenly); not supported by the weight of evidence or established rules of law—often used in the phrase "arbitrary and capricious"

Colorable - having an appearance of truth, validity, or right

Damnum absque injuria - a loss for which the law provides no means of recovery

Dying declaration - a statement that is made by a person who firmly believes that he or she is about to die and has no hope of recovery and that concerns the circumstances or cause of the presumed death

Eleemosynary - of, relating to, or supported by charity

En ventre sa mere - in the womb

Euthanasia - the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured persons in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy; called also "mercy killing"

Exculpate - to clear from alleged fault or guilt

Filius nullius - an illegitimate child; bastard; called also "filius populi"

Finger - to accuse or identify as guilty

Fireman's rule - a doctrine holding that a property owner or occupant is not liable for unintentional injuries suffered by firefighters or police officers in responding to a problem on the property

First blush - initial view, appearance, or consideration—used especially in the phrase "at first blush"

First degree - the grade given to the most serious forms of crimes

Hereditament - inheritable property

Homestead - a home and surrounding land

Inchoate - not yet made complete, certain, or specific : not perfected

M'Naghten test - a standard under which a criminal defendant is considered to have been insane at the time of an act (as a killing) if he or she did not know right from wrong or did not understand the moral nature of the act because of a mental disease or defect; called also "M'Naghten rule"

Mulct - fine, penalty

Mysterious disappearance - the loss of property under unknown or puzzling circumstances which are difficult to explain or understand

Pierce - to see through the usually misleading or false appearance of

Poison pill - a financial tactic or provision used by a company to make an unwanted takeover prohibitively expensive or less desirable

Prior art - the processes, devices, and modes of achieving the end of an alleged invention that were known or knowable by due diligence before and at the date of the invention

Pur autre vie - for another's life

Shark repellent - any measure taken by a corporation to discourage a hostile takeover attempt

Silent record - a record of a criminal proceeding which does not show that the defendant acted with knowledge or understanding of his or her rights (as in entering a plea of guilty or waiving the right to counsel)

Sui generis - constituting a class alone; unique or particular to itself

Vexatious - lacking a sufficient ground and serving only to annoy or harass when viewed objectively

Wrongful birth - a malpractice claim brought by the parents of a child born with a birth defect against a physician or health-care provider whose alleged negligence (as in prenatal testing or diagnosis) effectively deprived the parents of the opportunity to make an informed decision whether to avoid or terminate the pregnancy

Yellow-dog contract - an illegal employment contract in which a worker disavows membership in and agrees not to join a labor union in order to get a job

More: Law-Related Words ⚜ Word Lists

[zabiume]

Could Orihime Reject Someone Out of Existence?

This is one of those statements that gets thrown around by Orihime fans a lot as a way to defend her strength, because Orihime's weakness has been a defining part of criticism surrounding her character throughout the early-mid 2000s (and even today tbh). And it's not limited to Orihime's fans either. I've seen a lot of people use this as criticism too ["Orihime could probably reject someone out of existence"...(hence it's bad that she didn't get the opportunity to do so)]. Nevermind the fact that there hasn't been a single instance where she felt a villain has even warranted that, or the fact that Soul Society goes absolutely ballistic on Quincies, who do wipe souls out of existence, I still find this to be an interesting discussion because it neglects to consider....anything we've been told about Orihime's powers. Granted, it's pretty scummy that Kubo elaborates on the structure/logistics of her powers only in extra-canon material like CFYOW (read by only a few dedicated fans) or Klub Outside (paid Q&A forum with restricted fan access), so I don't expect that everyone has done their required reading on this, but I still think it's a good excuse to actually talk about what she can and can't do.

What Orihime Can Actually Do (Basic Powers, Achievements/Growth)

At the start of Bleach, Orihime has three basic shields - 1) Soten Kisshun - the one that rejects damage within a particular area, 2) Santen Kisshun - the one that rejects any attack aimed at Orihime & her allies (AKA, a traditional shield), 3) Koten Zanshun - the shield that forms within an external object and basically blows it up. I've seen people say Koten Zanshun is a akin to a small knife or shuriken, but in classic Kuboscience fashion, we see that it actually creates a shield that disrupts the union of matter. Ostensibly, Orihime could blow someone up if she's angry enough, and it is fun to think about Orihime blowing people up, so I understand any disappointment on that front, but. Moving on.

In Chapter 43, the Shun Shun Rikka clarify that they're not really "fairies," but a manifestation of Orihime herself. They are a part of her. I assume this works similarly to zanpakuto spirit manifestation. And IIRC, she is the only Fullbringer that has this type of manifestation (object affinity + spirit), when most Fullbringers only have an object affinity. They also mention that she needs two things to activate her powers: 1) her Heart, and 2) chanting the kotodama. I think point #1 should already make clear to us that Orihime won't be abusing her powers to hurt anyone any time soon, not unless she loses her 'Heart' like Ichigo did as a Vasto Lorde in Las Noches. Bleach signifies this as an Objectively Bad Thing. Whether we agree with that or we don't, it is the underlying mythos that sets apart our hero characters (Ichigo & his friends) from our villains.

So what can Orihime do, at this point in canon? She can regrow limbs and shield people from attacks, which she does extensively throughout the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo arcs. Here she is a) using two of her shields at the same time, and b) trapping Ichigo (the strongest guy in canon at any point in time) within her shield.

Over time, she develops Shiten Kosshun, a way to incorporate Tsubaki into an offensive technique without actually compromising on her distaste for excessive violence. Here's why that's a big deal. She can also use her Shun Shun Rikka long-range, which you can see when she's a) healing Chad post-Yammy (sorry for the random color screenshot, I got it off Twitter because I couldn't remember the exact chapter), and b) in 686, when we learn she uses them to keep an eye on Kazui. She also uses Santen Kesshun as a transport service throughout TYBW, which is not something she could do during the Lust arc, since she needed Uryu's help to get there. She also does not need to say her kotodama to activate her powers anymore, which is the result of constant and continuous training with Rukia pre-HM arc and Chad post-HM arc.

Since Orihime isn't a shinigami, it might get a little difficult to measure her "growth" the same way we do with characters who attain bankai (the Bleach standard for strength). But in less than three years, Orihime developed a new shield, got faster at healing, and found new and inventive ways to use her powers every arc. She was already at lieutenant-levels of strength in terms of healing way back in the Soul Society arc, if Ieumura's testimony is anything to go by:

So...what can't Orihime do? This is what I think I've seen a majority of people scratch their heads about, thereby making her seem ridiculously overpowered but severely underused.

Like any Bleach character of significance, Orihime is ridiculously overpowered, but I don't think this translates into "Orihime can do everything" and its implied "but she chooses to do nothing." We'll get into Orihime's choices and my opinions later, but I think now is a good time to talk about Orihime's natural limitations.

What Orihime Cannot Do

Two of Orihime's major limitations that I wanted to highlight are from Klub and CFYOW, like I mentioned earlier. You can read about them below.

To summarize: 1) Orihime can't recover spiritual pressure/is very slow at recovering spiritual pressure because of the tremendous strain it puts on her body and the fact that she can only heal what she can see, 2) Orihime can't heal someone with fatal injuries if "enough time has passed" (AKA if she gets to them too late after they've been injured). 3) Orihime can't actually revive someone if they've been evaporated. She needs a physical body.

These limitations are important, because they imply that she can't actually wipe someone out of existence. Interacting with reiryoku puts a strain on her. I once wrote that she could probably "reject" an egg that's just been fertilized by a sperm (we love a pro-choice queen!), but I doubt she could zoink a 20-year-old out of existence, because again: there is a time limit within which she has to act, or her powers won't be able to work. The only rejections she could do with people are abortions, and even then, I don't think she could do late-terms. And even then, if you can't see a cell with your naked eye, I doubt she could do those either. I've seen people wonder if she could cure cancers and my honest answer is: probably not until the symptoms were obviously visible.

The Shun Shun Rikka can't actually undo something if a certain amount of time has passed, so I highly doubt she could undo one's physical body, one's spiritual pressure...one's entire being. Even if she could, I doubt that would cleanse the spirit and send it to Soul Society. Instead, they would disappear/evaporate, which destabilizes the balance of souls (the way Quincies do it).

The reason I obsess about this is because limitations are a good thing when you're exploring a power system. There's always been this misconception that Orihime can basically "do anything," but that doesn't...mean anything. Orihime can't do everything, which means she is, like every other Bleach character, limited. Even Aizen's zanpakuto had a shortcoming, so I don't think Kubo necessarily nerfed her, and I think it does help contextualize what she can actually do vs what people expect her to do for no good reason.

Even if Orihime Could, Should She?

I enjoy powerscaling as much as the next guy, but I think the thing I like the least about it is its complete lack of literacy. Specifically literacy of the narrative.

In stories like this, heroes don't win over villains because they're objectively stronger. They win because they push an ideal that, in some way, represents the core values of the series. You were stronger, but I had the power of friendship on my side. You turned your pain into violence, but I turned mine into compassion. The entire point of Ulquiorra's arrogance was that he believed in what he could see – Aizen's strength. But he lost because of what he couldn't see – Ichigo & Orihime's hearts.

A part of the Arrancar saga is the long philosophical battle between Ulquiorra and Orihime, where Ulquiorra has faith in Aizen's watertight plans, his formidable army, his impenetrable kingdom. Meanwhile, Orihime has faith in her five scrappy best friends who invaded said kingdom overnight and have,,,,,only the slightest idea about what they're doing. Aizen's entire force operates under the belief that because they can do something, they should. Because they have power, they should use it, and if they can, seek more of it. Ichigo and Orihime, as a contrast, use their discretion and seem really upset about having to fight anyone at all. People point this lack of killing intent out as an exclusively Orihime thing, but it is very much an Ichigo thing too. Ichigo looking down at Grimmjow with pity-filled eyes is an exact parallel to Orihime looking at Ulquiorra with the same expression. People wanted Orihime to be vengeful against the Arrancars because they're her abusers. But Orihime sees them as victims. She pities the fact that they know nothing but brute violence — and that this is their reality. She sees them as someone to be saved.

But lest we think she's an irrefutable saint who gets off way too easy, it's clear she has some regrets about her place in the friend group and her dependency on Ichigo in particular. But, post-HM, she doesn't ask him to save her at all. Rather, the first time we see Shiten Kosshun, she's the one protecting him. I don't think Orihime has ever needed to kill someone to prove that she's a dimensional character in a series where even Ichigo hesitates to murder the guy who killed his mother. I think it's interesting that Orihime and Ichigo are largely sympathetic towards their villains unless they really, really fuck up, in which case Orihime has lashed out in appropriate doses (see: Ginjou, Yhwach.). I don't understand what vengeance would add to her character that compassion hasn't tenfold.

A last point I want to note is about weakness and our reaction to it. Many of us are shonen-brained to a point where we divide a story into victories and losses, battles won and battles thrown. But Orihime's character arc has never been about her victory over anyone but herself. Orihime can't reject someone out of existence, and even if she could, would she want to? Would Ichigo? Throughout the story, these two have been set to contrast characters who can and did. While their enemies sought to escape their own weaknesses (which Bleach conflates with being human) through transcendence, Ichigo and Orihime chose weakness constantly. They chose to be merciful, to be kind, to be vulnerable. I've seen countless jokes about how Ichigo loses 5 times before he can win for good. I've seen Orihime get her fair share of setbacks. But they come out of it victorious anyway, against all odds. And they aren't stronger because they have the power, they're stronger because they have the heart. I simply couldn't bear losing out on character writing like that.

[coochiequeens]

‘100% feminist’: how Eleanor Rathbone invented child benefit – and changed women’s lives for ever

She was an MP and author with a formidable reputation, fighting for the rights of women and refugees, and opposing the appeasement of Hitler. Why isn’t she better known today?

Ladies please reblog to give her the recognition she deserves

By Susanna Rustin Thu 4 Jul 2024

My used copy of the first edition of The Disinherited Family arrives in the post from a secondhand bookseller in Lancashire. A dark blue hardback inscribed with the name of its first owner, Miss M Marshall, and the year of publication, 1924, it cost just £12.99. I am not a collector of old tomes but am thrilled to have this one. It has a case to be considered among the most important feminist economics books ever written.

Its centenary has so far received little, if any, attention. Yet the arguments it sets out are the reason nearly all mothers in the UK receive child benefit from the government. Its author, Eleanor Rathbone, was one of the most influential women in politics in the first half of the 20th century. She led the National Union of Societies for Equal Citizenship (Nusec, the main suffragist organisation, also formerly known as the National Union of Women Suffrage Societies) from 1919, when Millicent Fawcett stood down, until the roughly five million women who were not enfranchised in 1918 gained the vote 10 years later. In 1929, aged 57, she became an MP, and remained in parliament until her death in 1946. While there, she built up a formidable reputation based on her advocacy for women’s rights, welfare reform and the rights of refugees, and her opposition to the appeasement of Hitler.

It would not be true to say that Eleanor Rathbone has been forgotten. Her portrait by James Gunn hangs in the National Portrait Gallery. Twenty years ago she was the subject of a fine biography and she is remembered at Somerville college, Oxford – where she studied in the 1890s and ran a society called the Associated Prigs. (While the name was a joke, Rathbone did have a priggish side – as well as being an original thinker, tremendous campaigner, and stubborn, sensitive personality.) She also features in Rachel Reeves’s book The Women Who Made Modern Economics, although Reeves – who hopes shortly to become the UK’s first female chancellor – pays more attention to her contemporary, Beatrice Webb.

A thrilling tome … The Disinherited Family by Eleanor Rathbone. Photograph: Alicia Canter/The Guardian

But Rathbone, who came from a wealthy dynasty of nonconformist merchants, does not have anything like the name-recognition of the Pankhursts or Millicent Fawcett, or of pioneering politicians including Nancy Astor and Ellen Wilkinson. Nor does she enjoy the cachet of writers such as Virginia Woolf, whose polemic about women’s opportunities, A Room of One’s Own, was published five years after Rathbone’s magnum opus.

There are many reasons for Rathbone’s relative obscurity. One is that she was the first woman elected to parliament as an independent (and one of a handful of men at the time). Thus there is no political party with an interest in turning her into an icon. Having spent the past three years writing a book about the British women’s movement, I am embarrassed to admit that when I started, I didn’t know who she was.

Rathbone was not the first person to propose state benefits paid to mothers. The endowment of motherhood or family allowances, as the policy was known, was written about by the Swedish feminist Ellen Key, and tried out as a project of the Fabian Women’s Group, who published their findings in a pamphlet in 1912. But Rathbone pushed the idea to the forefront. A first attempt to get Nusec to adopt it was knocked back in 1921, and she then spent three years conducting research. The title she gave the book she produced, The Disinherited Family, reflected her view that women and children were being deprived of their rightful share of the country’s wealth.

The problem, as she saw it, was one of distribution. While the wage system in industrialised countries treated all workers on a given pay grade the same, some households needed more money than others. While unions argued for higher wages across the board, Rathbone believed the state should supplement the incomes of larger families. She opened the book with an archly phrased rhetorical question: “Whether there is any subject in the world of equal importance that has received so little consideration as the economic status of the family?” She went on to accuse economists of behaving as if they were “self-propagating bachelors” – so little did the lives of mothers appear to interest them.

Rathbone’s twin aims were to end wives’ dependence on husbands and reward their domestic labour. Family allowances paid directly to them could either be spent on housekeeping or childcare, enabling them to go out to work. Ellen Wilkinson, the radical Labour MP for Middlesbrough (and future minister for education), was among early supporters. William Beveridge read the book when he was director of the London School of Economics, declared himself a convert and introduced one of the first schemes of family-linked payments for his staff.

But others were strongly opposed. Conservative objections to such a radical expansion of the state were predictable. But they were echoed by liberal feminists including Millicent Fawcett, who called the plan “a step in the direction of practical socialism”. Trade unions preferred to push for a living wage, while some male MPs thought the policy undermined the role of men as breadwinners. Labour and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) finally swung behind family allowances in 1942. As the war drew to a close, Rathbone led a backbench rebellion against ministers who wanted to pay the benefit to fathers instead.

Rathbone celebrates the Silver Jubilee of the Women’s Vote in London, 20 February 1943. Photograph: Picture Post/Getty Images

It is for this signature policy that she is most often remembered today. At a time when hundreds of thousands of children have been pushed into poverty by the two-child limit on benefit payments, Rathbone’s advocacy on behalf of larger families could hardly be more relevant. The limit, devised by George Osborne, applies to universal and child tax credits – and not child benefit itself. But Rishi Sunak’s government announced changes to the latter in this year’s budget. From 2026, eligibility will be assessed on a household rather than individual basis. This is intended to limit payments to better-off, dual-income families. But the UK Women’s Budget Group and others have objected on grounds that child benefit should retain its original purpose of directly remunerating primary carers (the vast majority of them mothers) for the work of rearing children. It remains to be seen whether this plan will be carried through by the next government.

Rathbone once told the House of Commons she was “100% feminist”, and few MPs have been as single-minded in their commitment to women’s causes. As president of Nusec (the law-abiding wing of the suffrage campaign), she played a vital role in finishing the job of winning votes for women.

The last few years have seen a resurgence of interest in women’s suffrage, partly due to the centenary of the first women’s suffrage act. Thanks to a brilliant campaign by Caroline Criado Perez, a statue of Millicent Fawcett, the nonmilitant suffragist leader, now stands in Westminster, a few minutes walk from the bronze memorial of Emmeline Pankhurst erected in 1930. Suffragette direct action has long been a source of fascination. What is less well known is that militants played little part in the movement after 1918. It was law-abiding constitutionalists – suffragists rather than suffragettes – who pushed through the 1920s to win votes for the younger and poorer women who did not yet have them. Rathbone helped lead this final phase of the campaign, along with Conservative MP Nancy Astor and others.

Rathbone was highly critical of the militants, and once claimed that they “came within an inch of wrecking the suffrage movement, perhaps for a generation”. Today, with climate groups including Just Stop Oil copying the suffragette tactic of vandalising paintings, it is worth remembering that many women’s suffrage campaigners opposed such methods.

Schismatic though it was, the suffrage movement at least had a shared goal. An even greater challenge for feminists in the 1920s was agreeing on future priorities. Equal pay, parental rights and an end to the sexual double standard were among demands that had broad support. After the arrival in the House of Commons of the first female MPs, legislative successes included the removal of the bar on women’s entry to the professions, new rights for mothers and widows’ pensions. But there were also fierce disagreements.

Tensions between class and sexual politics were longstanding, with some on the left regarding feminism as a distraction. The Labour MP Marion Phillips, for example, thought membership of single-sex groups placed women “in danger of getting their political opinions muddled”. There was also renewed conflict over protective legislation – the name given to employment laws that differentiated between men and women. While such measures included maternity leave and safety rules for pregnant women, many feminists believed their true purpose was to keep jobs for men – and prevent female workers from competing.

Underlying such arguments was the question of whether women, once enfranchised, should strive for equal treatment, or push for measures designed to address their specific needs. As the debate grew more heated, partisans on either side gave themselves the labels of “old” and “new” feminists. While the former, also called equalitarians, wanted to focus on the obstacles that prevented women from participating in public life on the same terms as men, the new feminists led by Rathbone sought to pioneer an innovative, woman-centred politics. Since this brought to the fore issues such as reproductive health and mothers’ poverty, it is known as “maternalist feminism”.

Rathbone and other Liverpool suffragettes campaigning in 1910. Photograph: Shawshots/Alamy

The faultline extended beyond Britain. But Rathbone and her foes had some of the angriest clashes. At one international convention, Lady Rhondda, a wealthy former suffragette, used a speech to deride rivals who chose to “putter away” at welfare work, instead of the issues she considered important.

The specific policy points at issue have, of course, changed over the past century. But arguments about how much emphasis feminists should place on biological differences between men and women carry on.

Eleanor Rathbone did not live long enough to see the welfare state, including child benefit paid to mothers, take root in postwar Britain. Her election to parliament coincided with the Depression, and the lengthening shadows of fascism and nazism meant that she, like her colleagues, became preoccupied with foreign affairs. In the general election of 1935, the number of female MPs fell from 15 to nine, meaning Rathbone’s was one of just a handful of women’s voices. She used hers to oppose the policy of appeasement, and support the rights of refugees, including those escaping Franco’s Spain. During the war she helped run an extra-parliamentary “woman-power committee”, which advocated for female workers.

She also became a supporter of Indian women’s rights, though her liberal imperialism led to tensions with Indian feminists. During the war she angered India’s most eminent writer, Rabindranath Tagore, and its future prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, when she attacked the Congress party’s policy of noncooperation with Britain’s war effort. Tagore criticised what he called the “sheer insolent self-complacency” of her demand that the anti-colonial struggle should be set aside while Britain fought Germany.

Rathbone turned down a damehood. After their first shared house in Westminster was bombed, she and her life partner, the Scottish social worker Elizabeth Macadam, moved around the corner to a flat on Tufton Street (Macadam destroyed their letters, meaning that Rathbone’s intimate life remains obscure, but historians believe the relationship was platonic). From there they moved to a larger, quieter house in Highgate. On 2 January 1946, Rathbone suddenly died.

Rathbone’s blue plaque at Tufton Court. Photograph: PjrPlaques/Alamy

A blue plaque on Tufton Street commemorates her as the “pioneer of family allowances” – providing an alternative claim on posterity for an address more commonly associated with the Brexit campaign, since a house a few doors down became its headquarters. She is remembered, too, in Liverpool, where her experience of dispersing welfare to desperately poor soldiers’ wives in the first world war changed the course of her life, and where one of her former homes is being restored by the university.

I don’t believe in ghosts. But walking in Westminster recently, I imagined her hastening across St James’s Park to one of her meetings at Nancy Astor’s house near the London Library. Today, suffragettes are celebrated for their innovative direct action. But Rathbone blazed a trail, too, with her dedication as a campaigner, writer, lobbyist and “100% feminist” parliamentarian.

 Sexed: A History of British Feminism by Susanna Rustin is published by Polity Press (£20). To support the Guardian order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply

[ghostofashina]

months after rings of power season two, i have to be honest. they tried so hard to appease the so called hardcore fanboys by erasing, sidelining, killing non-white characters they shot themselves in the foot.

this is will be a long rant, but mind you: i do not hate nor am i an anti-rop. quite the contrary: i loved the show. and especially because i loved it, i am TRULY disapppointed with what they did this season.

first things first, what the actual fuck did they do to arondir? and please, do not blame it on bronwyn's actress leaving the tv show. let's face it as it is: incompetence from writers.

they had a whole vengeance arc right in front of their faces. they had all that ent-wives scene that would've worked wonders with a vengeance arc. and they chose to do nothing with it.

they sidelined arondir to the point he was basically a babysit to isildur and his new girlfriend — fine, he felt responsible for theo, but theo himself was also wasted. you only had arondir coming to scenes to show up some cool tricks and gone for the entire season.

where's the weight of his loss? where's the impact of this loss on his character? there's nothing. nothing. the character is empty. they did no justice for a character who spent the entire season fighting to protect people he lost!!!!

and yeah, what about his entire arc with adar, the main antagonisty and biggest conflict? oh yeah, they gave it to galadriel. :D

i am sorry but that ""alliance"" between adar and galadriel meant nothing to me, it spoke nothing to me, because that wasn't her arc. it was arondir's. if we wanted to bring adar close to the main cause in defeating sauron, arondir was the best choice. he faced adar as an equal, he earned his admiration, they've built an entire connection throughout season one and you want me to care about his union to galadriel?

and yes, their union would've worked better with arondir between them. because unlike galadriel, he had the nuance to see adar as an equal since the start even when they were enemies.

and it's so fucked up that the whole conflict they settled up since season one meant NOTHING. like, if you were not gonna make the whole forgiviness thing REAL, than at least make the vengeance real. they faced each other ONCE in the entire season and it's so fucked up, so rushed, arondir is deadly injured in one second and the next he's totally fine, as if nothing happened.

where does it make justice to that character? where is the justice to his development? you take his whole arc and give it to another character, and now you can't even give him a proper ending to his conflict? you can't even build a decent continuity?

i could make a whole other dissertation of how adar also felt flat because his arc was attached to galadriel that way, with no weight with the development of their connection. and how that betrayal was not only rushed, but it showed how galadriel wasn't made for that union — she had zero fucks to give about him in the end.

and i'm not gonna even bring valandil to the conversation, because he is another non-white character that they just discarded at the first opportunity. they acted as if valandil always knew isildur was alive, for the amount of no fucks he seemed to give. once again, no weight for the loss those characters faced.

this is so awful i feel like the first season with all its problems is still better than the second season with all its glory. and not only that, but as someone who truly enjoyed that show, it killed my entire hype and joy in watching it. i'll give another chance when season three arrives. but i'll not trust it. i don't think they'll do it any more justice.

[centuryberry]

I wasn't gonna say anything, but I did think yue was being pretty racist/xenophobic in thinking azure was gonna kill her bc he's a lion demon. One thing would be bc of his actions (though trying to steal a married man, while bad, is leagues better than child murder), or bc misunderstandings of things she heard, but no it's specifically because he's a lion. Does she assume things from other animal demons bc of their form, or is it only azure bc he's a threat to her parents marriage

All right, before you get the torches and the pitchforks about Yue and her apprehension towards Azure, there's a reason why this AU Yue thinks this way when all her other counterparts don't. And it's because of Wukong.

When teaching her about her monkey and yaoguai heritage, Wukong didn't hold back on the gritty details about yaoguai instincts. Traditional demons have a violent culture and follow their instincts more often than not, which is why they are often opposed to the Celestial Realm and seen as monsters. It's why Wukong and his kingdom faced many territory wars and skirmishes.

The thing about the yaoguai is that they do show and share some instincts and habits of the animals that they take after. Monkey yaoguai build nests and groom, wolf yaoguai place importance in pack bonds/family, tiger yaoguai are extremely territorial and solitary, and so on. Some yaoguai also take on some less...nice instincts. Wukong told Yue about a tiger demon who caught and ate the baby monkeys of his troop before he took it down.

Now, Yue didn't just take this and think: "all yaoguai who are big cats are going to eat me. automatically." No, she thought: "oh no, another fixation, I gotta research about this. before it consumes my mind like herbs." So, she got her hands on a book of animal facts (the closest she could ever get to her interest) and studied hard. It's the book where she got the cuttlefish fact in Unpaid Babysitting.

Now, how does this apply to Azure?

Yue quickly learned through reading between the lines that Azure still held a torch for Wukong and definitely wasn't Macaque's friend. He was actually trying to replace her other parent as Empress if she was reading things right.

Azure is an enemy to her parents' marriage, so Yue mentally treats him as such. She expects nothing but the worst from him. She needs to know what he can do and what he's capable of doing, but since Wukong says nothing but nice things about him, Yue can only guess the worst. The Jade Palace also sounded like a historical C-Drama Yue used to watch in her past life, so she knew that kids weren't exactly off-limits when it comes to these type of conflicts, especially not children of the Emperor.

And this line of thought automatically reminded her of the lion fact that she read in her book. It also reminded her about Wukong's lecture about yaoguai instincts. So, she concluded that Azure, being from the Jade Palace Court AND a lion yaoguai, wouldn't mind getting rid of her if the opportunity presented itself.

Now, let's make this clear: Yue isn't afraid of Azure because he's a lion yaoguai, she's afraid because the lion yaoguai is Azure.

Azure, who's charismatic, politically powerful, smart, and still going after Wukong even though he's married. If marriage wouldn't stop him, why would a kid? And he might claim that he'd be fine with raising Yue if something unfortunate ever happened to Macaque, but what about the potential children that would come from Azure and Wukong's union? Yue would be an obstacle. A reminder about Macaque and Wukong's love. Maybe even be the thing that holds Wukong back.

Yue is stuck on the "lions kill cubs not fathered by them" fact since she is a cub. She's squishy, tiny, baby Yue who can't even reach beyond the second shelf without some help. Lionesses on guard against them already have problems with keeping their cubs alive, what about Wukong who seems to trust Azure? If Wukong just blatantly rejected Azure and his romantic overtures, Yue wouldn't be as stressed, but he was an idiot so she was stuck with this scenario.

So yeah, Yue had been stewing with this kind of fear long before she popped out of the mirror. It didn't help when she saw how devastated Azure was when he laid eyes on her and his disturbing insistence on getting some time alone with her. (Murder! Her overthinking mind cries.)

But here's the kicker: Azure Lion isn't actually a yaoguai. He's a Celestial Beast. Two different creatures. Azure doesn't even have that strong of an instinct to follow and/or overcome. But Wukong didn't tell Yue about this difference and Yue didn't know enough Otome Game lore to understand this. And Wukong didn't even correct her when she first brought up her fears.

Yue's assumptions are mostly born out of her fears, imagination, ignorance, and Wukong (and Macaque) not sitting her down and correcting her.

Funnily enough, Yue never has this irrational fear toward anyone else. Not even Peng. Random lion or tiger yaoguai? Nothing. Just Azure. So, if her thoughts and actions are still construed as racism, then it's a special sort of racism directed at Azure and nobody else.

(This started out as a funny gag and callback to the animal fact Yue dropped in Unpaid Babysitting and I ended up expanding on some yaoguai culture. Hope this was a good enough explanation.)

[kckt88]

Drowning Inside You II

Summary:

Aemond and Valaera settle into life as married couple and Valaera's heat arrives earlier than expected.

-Features an Aemond POV.

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT!!

Warning(s): Mini Time Skip, Inner thoughts, Language, Kissing, Smut, Heat/Rut Cycle, P in V, Breeding Kink, Knotting, Mild Angst, Possessive Behaviour.

Word Count: 4620

Author Note: An Alpha/Omega Story.

Inspired by the song Call My Name by EMO + Yolo.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon or Fire & Blood characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used.

Comments, likes, and reblogs are very much appreciated.

Ever since Valaera had taken his eye that night on Driftmark, Aemond had envisioned the various ways in which he would exact his revenge against Valaera Velaryon.

Maimed, half blind and now the rider of the largest dragon in the world.

For years he’d hated her, even thinking about Valaera would send Aemond into a rage of epic proportions.

He would spend hours in the training yard, sparring with Ser Criston or deliberately starting fights with other Alpha’s.

His only reprieve from it all was Vhagar.

She was far too large to be housed inside the dragon pit, so she had taken to resting in an outcropping of caves beyond the Red Keep.

His old girl didn’t fit in anywhere and neither did he.

Even before he lost his eye, he never felt part of anything, his older brother was a massive twat, and his sweet sister was far too invested in her bugs too notice anything else. Even his younger brother Daeron was a stranger to him.

His older brother was rather fond of making Aemond suffer through his awful practical jokes, and relentless teasing. Even more so when their ‘strong’ nephew would join in.

Behold the Pink Dread.

Valaera was the only one to apologise for the pig, offering her uncle some lemon cakes she’d managed to steal from the kitchens.

After Driftmark, Aemond devoted himself to his studies and training. Becoming the perfect second son, even as Aegon would squander every opportunity that was given to him.

Before his presentation as an Omega, Aegon would spend his days drunk and cock deep in some whore on the streets of silk.

Yet all that stopped when he was given in marriage to Jacaerys Velaryon. Aemond had to admit he thoroughly enjoyed the look of horror on Aegon’s face when their father announced their union.

Yet his brother for all his desire to flee Kings Landing on the back of Sunfyre remained and married his strong bastard, with the pair of them becoming so happy it would make Aemond’s stomach turn.

Since she cost him his eye, Valaera would avoid Aemond like the plague. Always fleeing the room whenever Aemond entered or hiding behind her mother’s skirts.

Which suited Aemond just fine, the less time he spent in the company of Valaera the better. Yet as he got older, he realised it wasn’t just hate that he felt for Valaera. It was something far deeper. Rooted in his very core.

At first, he was unsure what it was.

But as Valaera got older and presented as an Omega, one sniff of Valaera’s sweet scent and that was it.

Aemond knew it was no longer hate that was driving him. It was desire.

As his niece grew from a plain faced pup into a stunningly beautiful pearl. Aemond knew he was done for.

Countless nights he would imagine the pretty noises his niece would make as he took her to bed and ravished her with his tongue, his fingers, and his cock.

Valaera always had this way of looking at him and it would drive him to the brink of insanity.

Those beautiful brown doe eyes, so innocent. So perfect.

Aemond would strip his cock raw every night as he fucked his fist, to the thought of Valaera.

Of course, the girl was still terrified of him and while part of him still rather enjoyed it, another was so desperate to have the Omega that he would do anything.

Aemond knew that suitors would soon come to Kings Landing in their droves to beg for the hand of Driftmark's heir.

The pearl of the realm, given in marriage to some unworthy dog.

No, he wouldn’t allow it. Valaera had left her mark on him when she'd carved out his eye and Aemond would ensure that the Omega would belong to him and no other.

It was easy enough to convince his father. After all, Aegon’s marriage to Jacaerys had been successful. The two of them had already been blessed with one pup and Aegon was currently expecting their next.

His mother however was more resistant to the match and Aemond prayed every night to the seven that his father would remain steadfast in his decision.

Luckily the gods answered his prayers and now Valaera Velaryon belonged to him.

Bound for life.

Aemond thought nothing could top the sight of Valaera at their wedding.

Oh, how wrong he was.

The sight of his sweet Omega laid bare before him, begging to be bred would remain with Aemond far beyond his death.

He could feel his cock going stiff at the thought of fucking Valaera again.

But that would have to wait, as Criston’s morningstar came flying towards him. The shield in his hand shattered upon impact. Discarding the splinted wood, Aemond expertly dodged the repeated attacks and soon his sword was pointed at the Kings guard’s throat.

“Well done my Prince. You’ll be winning tourneys in no time”.

“I don’t give a shit about tourney’s” replied Aemond as he spun the long sword in his hand and cast his eyes to the sky, watching two dragons race each other.

Aemond smiled when he heard his Omega’s gleeful laughter, as her dragon Arrax nimbly darted around Vermax and shot off into the clouds.

In the weeks since her wedding to Aemond, Valaera had come to realise that being married to him wasn't as bad as she thought it would be.

In public he was stoic and quiet, always standing with his arms folded behind his back, his posture rigid and firm yet in private he was passionate and unyielding. He was a giving lover in the marriage bed and he would often seek her touch during the night, ensconcing her in his arms, making her feel safe.

On this particular day, Aemond was training as usual so Valaera decided to visit the library, there were so many books that she wished to read before her next name day.

Aegon of course had previously made fun of her calling her a 'bookworm' and then stated that her and Aemond were perfect for one another as he loved books too, what Aegon didn't know was that sometimes Aemond would join Valaera in the library and he would fuck her against one of the bookcases and not much reading would be done on those occasions.

During her reverie Valaera began to notice that the walk back to her chambers felt peculiar. The latent arousal swirling inside her as she thought of her Alpha felt different, but in a really familiar way strangely enough. Her breath suddenly became more laboured, and a tingling sensation appeared inside her.

The empty feeling in the pit of her stomach becoming more pronounced.

Surely this couldn’t be her. Oh no. The Maesters had always been accurate about her heats. She wasn’t expecting it for another few weeks.

But something was off, extremely off, because soon she felt her legs start to shake with every step she took, and she was practically hyperventilating.

The closer she got to the chambers she shared with Aemond, everything started to blur, even the light, it was so bright that she had to shut her eyes, it made her stop in her tracks and lean against the wall.

The arousal she previously felt in her abdomen had now turned into excruciating pain. Valaera could smell almost every single Alpha in the Red Keep, but the scent of HER Alpha overpowered them all, she needed him.

Oh, gods she needed him so much, she felt so empty, she needed his knot, she needed his seed, she needed to be filled with her Alpha.

Slick started running down her legs, she was so wet, and her clothes felt so constricting, she needed to get them off before she was suffocated.

“Princess. Are you alright, shall I alert your mother?” asked a guard, he was sweating profusely, his scent was making Valaera feel sick, his voice was too loud, and he was too close to her. She wanted to run away, she wanted to run to Aemond, but her legs were completely useless.

The tears began running down her cheeks, she was getting desperate.

Alpha. Please. I need you. I’m frightened. Where are You?

Then she heard a loud growl. Her Alpha’s growl.

Yes! Yes! Her Alpha had come for her! Her Alpha had come to finally breed her!

Valaera’s inner Omega let out a loud cry, practically a scream as she heard the growl, eager to reunite with her Alpha.

“Get. Away. From MY OMEGA” snarled Aemond his voice was deep, low, and dangerous, his scent dark and violent.

He sized up the guard with his remaining eye, growling once again. The guard growled back at first but quickly retreated once the full force of Aemond’s Alpha pheromones permeated through the air.

Aemond turned his attention to Valaera, throwing himself at his whimpering Omega. He put his arms under Valaera’s legs and back, lifted her up and began to carry her toward their chambers.

Valaera swung her arms around Aemond and buried her face in his neck. She began to desperately kiss and suck on Aemond’s throat, she couldn’t help himself, she needed to get closer to her Alpha’s fucking intoxicating scent.

Both of them were a sweaty mess by the time they reached their chambers. Valaera couldn’t keep her hands off of Aemond, nor could she stop scenting and sucking on the mating mark on his neck.

Aemond nuzzled her neck affectionately, then he reached down and grabbed Valaera’s behind, squeezing it hard. His Omega responded by moaning loudly before unlacing his breeches and shoving her hand inside to fondle his cock, which had grown rock hard. Valaera needed it deep inside her now or she would explode.

Aemond grabbed her jaw and turned her face upwards so he could reach her mouth. The Alpha’s tongue felt so good in her mouth, she had to moan once again, this time into Aemond’s mouth, making him grunt loudly in response while still kissing her. 

They fell backwards together, landing on the bed, never once breaking their kiss.

Aemond was a grunting mess, almost whimpering every time Valaera’s tongue swirled around his. Their clothes were a hinderance, and they needed to get them off.

So that they could feel each other properly. Aemond hooked his fingers into the seams of Valaera’s dress and ripped it from her body, buttons and fabric flew everywhere.

Aemond’s breeches were the next victim, shredded to pieces as he clawed at them, his tunic was also ripped from his body, the tattered threads landing somewhere on the floor after he discarded them.

Valaera’s eyes rolled back into her head as she felt her Alpha’s naked body against her own.

Aemond’s pheromones burned brighter as his mouth dove into her scent gland, sucking eagerly while scraping his teeth against the mark he’d previously left on her skin. Valaera was absolutely crazed by the movement.

“My Omega. your scent. It’s so fucking amazing” whispered Aemond, whilst inhaling his wife’s unique scent.

“Take me Alpha, breed me, your Omega needs your seed” begged Valaera.

Tears of joy were rolling down her face, so fucking happy that her Alpha would finally fill the aching emptiness in her abdomen.

Aemond grunted loudly in response and reached down to align his huge cock with Valaera’s dripping wet hole, instantly pushing inside, making them both moan in sync as his hard and pulsing cock found Valaera’s warm, wet heat.

The Alpha thrust his cock into Valaera at a relentless pace almost immediately, giving Valaera no time to adjust to his size. 

Valaera wrapped her legs around Aemond’s waist and squeezed as tightly as she could, she needed to be fucked again and again, she needed her Alpha to pump her full of his seed and put a pup inside of her. 

Her Alpha fucked her hard and fast, his hips pounding against hers. The sound of skin slapping together echoed around the chambers.

Aemond gave a loud grunt and stilled, throwing his head back while squeezing his eye shut, giving Valaera exactly what she wanted.

Rope after roped of his seed spilled inside his Omega, which made Valaera scream in joy and throw her own head back, as she reached her peak, clenching around her Alpha’s pulsating cock.

 It didn’t stop there, Aemond only needed a few moments of rest before growing hard inside of his Omega again.

As Valaera’s legs relaxed and let go of her hold on Aemond, he moved backwards and raised himself to his knees between Valaera’s legs.

The loss of her Alpha inside her made Valaera whimper as the ache quickly returned. 

 Please. Alpha. I need you. Don’t stop. Don’t leave me.

“Roll over” ordered Aemond. It was a command, an Alpha command, and Valaera whimpered as she felt it take control of her body, she had to obey, she had to please her Alpha.

She was now on all fours in front of him, ready to be mounted again. Her heat sent out new waves of scent and slick, which made Aemond almost stagger. He pushed his cock into the whimpering Omega once more with shaky hands and proceeded to pound her even harder and quicker than before, snapping his hips against her while grunting loudly, driving needy moans out of Valaera. 

Aemond was gripping her hips so hard that his nails were digging into her skin, leaving marks everywhere, the pain drove Valaera wild with need and she needed to feel more of it.

Almost as if he could sense what she needed, Aemond reached forward and grabbed Valaera’s hair, making her head shoot back. Valaera cried out to her Alpha in pleasure, making Aemond growl.

His knot started to slowly push inside Valaera, and she let out a feral cry as the knot made its way deeper and deeper inside of her. It swelled up so much, it hurt, it hurt so good.

“I will have you dripping with my seed my sweet Omega. I can’t wait to see you swell with my pup, everyone will know your mine-“ moaned Aemond.

Aemond thrust one, two, three more times before growling once again, shooting his seed deep inside Valaera, filling her up. He grunted out Valaera’s name chasing the pleasure of his own peak. He then let out a deep, satisfied breath before collapsing onto his Omega.

Aemond moved his face to Valaera’s neck again, and lovingly nuzzled her.

Valaera was trembling next to him, trying to catch her own breath. The throes of her heat satisfied for now.

But soon it would take hold of her again, her body constantly craving the touch of her Alpha.

For the next three days, she was fucked senseless by Aemond. Everything falling by the wayside as the Alpha took care of his Omega.

After her heat had ended, it took a solid day for both of them to fully recover. They were completely exhausted yet completely satisfied beyond all comprehension.

If Aemond clenched his jaw any harder, his teeth would shatter.

His Omega was stood talking to Alyn of Hull and Aemond hated every single second of it.

I swear if he leans any closer to Valaera. I’ll slit his throat. I’ll tear him limb from limb.

The Alpha inside him was growling, the desire to protect Valaera was overwhelming his senses.

“Brother, you need to relax”.

“I will relax when I remove that Beta cunts fucking head from his shoulders” snarled Aemond.

“He’s only talking to Valaera” sighed Aegon as he gently rocked his newborn pup in his arms.

“I don’t like him leaning close to Valaera like that” muttered Aemond awkwardly.

I don’t like how he looks at Valaera. I don’t like how he smiles at her.

His Alpha was screaming inside his head. Protect. Protect. Protect.

“Alpha instinct, I get it. But in all seriousness, you need to stop lurking in the corner and join the celebration” replied Aegon.

“I need to…Keep an eye on Valaera”.

“No. You need to hold your niece whilst I get some wine” retorted Aegon as he placed his daughter in Aemond’s arms and reached for the nearest pitcher of some ghastly coloured wine that Aemond had always thought looked a little bit like piss.

Probably tastes like it too.

Whilst Aegon was busying himself with the wine. Aemond looked down at his sleeping niece and smiled. She was such a perfect little thing. Whilst her features bore a strong resemblance to Jacaerys, her head was graced with a tiny tuft of silver hair. Yet her older brother Jaehaerys was dark haired and looked more like Aegon.

Aemond wondered what his children would look like. Would they have his silver hair or would they have his Omega’s dark curly locks.

He had thought he would like to have a son first, but as he held his niece, Aemond knew he wouldn’t mind a daughter. A little girl who would sleep on his chest as he read to her, a little girl who would cling to him as he took her on flights with Vhagar. A little girl who he would hold in his heart forever.

Suddenly Aemond was snapped out of his reverie by Maela shrieking loudly.

“She can’t be hungry again” groused Aegon.

“Well, whatever she needs. Only her mother can provide” replied Aemond as he handed Maela to Aegon and returned his attention to Valaera who was still talking to Alyn.

“You’re going to burn a hole in Alyn’s head if you carry on looking at him like that” muttered Jace as he wrapped an arm around Aegon who was busy trying to sooth their daughter.

“I will look however I please” snarled Aemond.

“Oh, for the love of-“ groaned Jace as he spotted Alyn gently placing a hand on Valaera’s arm.

“Aemond. Don’t even think about it” warned Aegon as Jace quickly manoeuvred him and Maela away from Aemond.

HE DARES TO TOUCH WHAT IS MINE!!

Aegon’s warning fell on deaf ears, as Aemond charged across the throne room and viciously shoved Alyn away from Valaera.

“Aemond-What” squeaked Valaera in surprise.

“Don’t ever presume to touch my Omega again” snapped Aemond.

“I-I wasn’t. I-I didn’t mean too” stuttered Alyn.

“Alpha please. You’re making a scene” whispered Valaera.

“I think you need to go and cool off brother” urged Aegon.

“Fuck off Aegon”

“Hey. Don’t speak to my mate like that. We are supposed to be celebrating my daughter’s birth and your ruining it” snapped Jace.

“Fine” retorted Aemond as he turned on his heel and stormed out of the throne room, completely ignoring his mother’s concerned calls.

“I better go after him” muttered Valaera sheepishly.

Stupid Beta thinking he can touch my Omega. Who does he think he is. I should go back in there and…

“Aemond. Wait”.

“What’s with the touching. Why was he touching you?” growled Aemond as he abruptly stopped in the middle of the corridor.

“I felt a little faint and Alyn was just helping me” muttered Valaera as she collided with Aemond.

“Why what’s happened. Do you need a maester?” asked Aemond his anger over Alyn overridden by his concern for Valaera.

“No, I don’t need a maester” replied Valaera.

“Are you sure. If you’re sick, then mayhaps we should get you checked over just to be sure”.

Oh, I knew something was wrong. Valaera’s scent has been different these last few days.

“I’m not sick. Well, I am but…”

I knew it. Something’s wrong. We’ve only been married a few months. I know can’t live without her. I need her to be ok.

“Tell me please Issa dōna omega” murmured Aemond (My sweet omega).

“Alpha. Nyke rūsīr riñnykeā” (I am with child).

“T-Truly” gasped Aemond.

“It might have happened during my heat, but yes, my love. Nyke carry mirrī zaldrīzes iemnȳ hen issa” (I carry a little dragon inside of me).

“My Valaera. My sweet” whispered Aemond as he cupped Valaera’s face in his hands and placed a gentle kiss upon his Omega’s lips.

“A little piece of you and me. Together” mouthed Valaera as she took one of Aemond’s hands and lowered it to her stomach.

She was with child. His Omega was carrying his pup. He was going to be a father.

“Thank you, Issa prūmia” (My heart).

“I guess your possessiveness makes sense now” said Valaera as she wrapped her arms around Aemond and held him close.

 Yes, it did. The need to protect Valaera. The urge to be close. It all made sense now. His Alpha was roaring his delight at impregnating his beautiful Omega.

“I was merely acting on instinct”.

I cannot wait until Valaera’s belly starts swelling. Everyone will see. They will all know who’s babe dwells within. His sweet Valaera all round and soft. Breasts swollen with milk. The thought was very pleasing.

So, pleasing in fact that Aemond could feel himself growing hard in his breeches.

“Please. Alpha” whined Valaera sensing his arousal as she stood on her tip toes and pressed a series of desperate kisses to Aemond’s lips.

“Hm” growled Aemond.

“T-Take me. Please. I need you” begged Valaera.

Aemond didn’t need telling twice. He took his Omega’s hand, and they made their way back to their chambers with every intention of having their own celebration that would end up lasting well into the hours of the night.

As dawn broke, Valaera was far to satisfied and exhausted to even think of leaving the bed. Sharing their good news with the rest of the family would have to wait, until Valaera was sure she could actually walk.

“Drakari pykiros, Tīkummo jemiros, Yn lantyz bartossa, Saelot vāedis” (Fire breather, winged leader, but two heads, to a third sing).

Valaera closed his eyes at the sound of Aemond’s voice.

“Perzyro udrȳssi, Ezīmptos laehossi, Hārossa letagon, Aōt vāedan” (With words of flame, with clear eyes, to bind the three, to you I sing).

Valaera smiled as he felt Aemond rest his head on the round swell of his stomach.

“Hae mērot gierūli:, Se hāros bartossi, Prūmȳsa sōvīli, Gevī dāerī” (As one we gather, and with three heads, we shall fly as we were destined, beautifully, freely).

Ever since Valaera revealed she was carrying his child, Aemond had devoted himself to pouring over countless books in the library to gain as much information as he could about pregnancy and how to raise a pup. Apparently, he also found a book that said babes can hear sounds from the womb after the sixth moon of pregnancy. So, Aemond never missed a chance to spend time talking or singing to his stomach.

Valaera of course didn’t think too much of it at first, but as her stomach began to swell, and the babe began to kick, she noticed that he or she would always move around more whenever Aemond spoke.

Aemond of course was delighted when Valaera told him. She knew her Alpha was worried about becoming a father, given the fact his own wasn’t a very good one and it terrified Aemond most days, that he would turn out like Viserys.

But Valaera new deep down that Aemond would be a fantastic father, he was utterly devoted to their unborn pup.

“What do you think of the name Rhaegar” muttered Aemond.

“I like it” whispered Valaera.

“But…”

“I l-love you and if we have a son, I wish to honour you in some way, so I was thinking about Vhalarr” asked Valaera nervously twisting the bedsheets between her fingers.

“In honour of my dragon?”

Oh, he hates it. Such a stupid idea. Why did I have to say that? I’m such a fool.

Suddenly Valaera burst into tears.

“Hey, what’s wrong? Valaera. Laera, Talk to me my sweet” whispered Aemond as he moved up the bed and took the sobbing Omega into his arms.

“Y-You hate the name I chose and I-I j-just thought it would b-be nice to h-have an o-original name,” cried Valaera.

“I don’t hate it. I’m truly honoured that you wish to name our pup after my old girl”.

“I-I know how much Vhagar means to you and I just-“ squeaked Valaera as she buried her face into Aemond’s chest.

“Issa jorrāelagon, kostilus ȳdra daor cry” muttered Aemond as he ran his fingers through Valaera’s long dark curls (My love, please don’t cry).

“I-I’m s-sorry. I-I c-can’t help it” sniffed Valaera as she wiped his nose on the sleeve of her robe.

Alpha is here. He will comfort me. He will make everything better.

“Avy jorrāelan sīr olvie Aemond” (I love you so much).

“I love you too Issa dōna” (my sweet).

“S-So you like the name?” asked Valaera, her voice still slightly muffled.

“I do and if we have a son, I will stand proud as he’s given the name his Muña chose” whispered Aemond as he gently lifts Valaera’s face from his chest and places a gentle kiss on her forehead (Mother).

“I-I’m sorry for crying. I just feel so emotional lately”.

“It’s fine. Your carrying our pup” replied Aemond as he rubbed Valaera’s stomach.

“T-Thank you for being so understanding” sniffed Valaera.

Aemond simply smiled and held Valaera tighter. He knew Valaera had been feeling overwhelmed lately with all of the changes her body was going through and as an Alpha he had a duty to soothe and protect his mate, during her delicate time.

After Valaera had fallen asleep, Aemond took the time to admire his Omega’s features. The long dark silky curls, the pale Targaryen skin, her perfectly shaped plump lips. The dark eyes. He once scorned Valaera for her ‘strong’ yet entirely coincidental resemblance to the former commander of the city watch, yet in truth she was wholly unique, in the sea of silver and amethyst.

As he closed his eye, Aemond knew with absolute certainty that he was where he was meant to be.

“A-Aemond. Valzȳrys” whispered Valaera as she gently shook his sleeping Alpha (Husband).

“Hm”

“Aemond. Wake up” urged Valaera.

“Valaera” grumbled Aemond as he began to rouse from his slumber.

“I can’t sleep”.

“Is everything ok? Is it the pup?” exclaimed Aemond as he shot up in alarm.

“The pup is fine. I-I need…Honey cakes”.

“Cake? You’ve woke me up because of cake?” asked Aemond rubbing his eye.

“I can’t stop thinking about it” muttered Valaera.

“Can’t you just wait until morning?” grumbled Aemond.

“No. I can’t sleep because I’m hungry and I keep thinking about cake”.

“Is this like the time you couldn’t stop thinking about pears” mused Aemond.

“That was weeks ago. But yes, it’s exactly the same. I-I can’t help it”.

Aemond sighed and got out of bed. Praying to the seven that the kitchens had some honey cakes left over.

“Avy jorrāelan issa zaldrīzes” (I love you my dragon).

“I’m sure you do Issa prūmia” replied Aemond as he quickly pulled on his breeches and a loose tunic. (My heart).

“Kirimvose” (Thank you).

“Hm” muttered Aemond as he gave Valaera a quick kiss and left their shared chambers.

The Red Keep was eerily silent as Aemond wandered through the corridors towards the kitchens. No doubt the nighttime appearance of a Prince in the kitchens would give the maids something to gossip about for the next few days.

I should be asleep. Yet here I am trawling through the Red Keep in search of Honey Cakes for my Omega.

Aemond Targaryen rider of the mighty Vhagar the last living remnant of Aegon's conquest, reduced to a simple errand boy.

Last time it was pears, this time it’s honey cakes. Whatever next?

This is the last time. I’m being serious. If she wants pears or cakes then next time- Oh, who am I kidding, I will get my sweet Omega anything she wants, whatever it takes to make her happy, anything to see that sweet smile.

Luckily Aemond’s journey to the kitchens was rather uneventful, even if the cook did give him a strange look as she handed over a basket of honey cakes.

Back in his chambers, Aemond quickly decided that it had all been worth it. To see Valaera happily eating her beloved honey cakes made his Alpha pleased that he was taking care of his mate and their unborn pup.

“Right. Now that you’ve got your cakes. I’m going back to bed” exclaimed Aemond as he tugged off his tunic and breeches.

“Well, actually there was something else-“ whispered Valaera as she wiped cake crumbs from around her mouth.

“Oh no what” huffed Aemond momentarily horrified.

However, his horror was rather short lived as his Omega began pulling off her shift.

“I-I desire the touch of my husband”. 

“Is-Is that right?” growled Aemond.

“Please Alpha, I want your knot” begged Valaera as she wrapped her arms around her Alpha’s neck and kissed him. Letting out a small moan as she slid her tongue into Aemond’s mouth.

Aemond smirked as he backed his Omega towards the bed.

A good Alpha should always take care of their Omega.

[eastwindmlk]

For day 4 of @jilytoberfest I will add to the McGonagall as James' godmother agenda.

939 words under the cut.

You are cordially invited to the wedding of James F Potter and Lily J Evans.

Minerva looked at the silvery stag and doe that pranced along the invitation that she had placed on her desk after breakfast, the attached letter still sealed and waiting. The transfiguration professor was well aware of what opening that letter would do to her sentimental Scottish self.

She had watched these two grow together and had been a driving force behind them being appointed Head boy and girl. If anyone asked, and no one would, she prided herself on having helped kindle their relationship. Offered a guiding hand and subtle encouragement wherever she could. Especially when James would come to her for advice that he pretended was absolutely not about Miss Evans, even when it very clearly was.

As a teacher, Minerva knew not to meddle, but as a godmother, she had a duty to her godson and that was to meddle on behalf of his parents. Though she never offered anything but sound advice.

Perhaps she also convinced Horace to pair them up in potions, but that was neither here nor there.

Despite her best effort not to think about the letter, her students figured out altogether too easily that she was in a particularly good mood. She had to snip at the questions about the good news to get the room back in order.

The longer the day stretched, the more distracted she found herself becoming. During dinner she almost stabbed Alma with her fork as they both reached for the roast carrots and on her way to her room she nearly missed a trick step and stumbled, scraping her knee.

In the light of the candle at her bedside and shifted into the familiar mattress, her fingers feeling the fine parchment she’d learned to associate with the Potter household.

My dearest, godmother,

Minerva would never tire of this little quirk in James’ letters, this little wink that he never failed to open with. She knew he was well aware of the implication, the affection this little gesture and she couldn’t help but feel special in this knowledge.

Enclosed you will find the invitation I am certain you have been eagerly awaiting after the news of our engagement. I also know that you likely do not approve of the length, or lack thereof, of our engagement. I want to assure you that we are being sensible.

We are also young and in love, so please be a little forgiving.

For a moment Minerva considered if she really could be disapproving of this union. She knew it was inevitable and given the times they lived in, she could hardly blame them to cling onto every opportunity to celebrate love and light.

You have always been a guiding hand in my life and I know that Lily feels similarly about you and it would mean the world to us if you would attend.

It is on behalf of my future wife that I now write to you.

She couldn’t help but chuckle at just how eager James seemed to be to call her his wife, there was something incredibly endearing about it. She did wonder what she needed if James was the one asking. Curiosity prickled her into reading further, leaving her theorising for after, if she still needed to.

As you might recall from previous mentions, the relationship with her family has been strained for quite some time now and when I confided my worries with you before even I was not aware of the extent of this. However, it looks like only her father will be willing and able to attend the wedding. I’d hoped that you might be willing to help.

Her heart broke when she read this, the words blurring as her eyes watered. She had only been vaguely aware of the situation while they were still attending school. Minerva knew that some muggleborn families took the news harder and it often reflected in these students finding her office in times of need. She could tell from the questions they asked and how they often oscillated before the brave dared to hug her.

Lily Evans had never been that girl. Or so she thought.

Even if Miss Evans had not been one of her favourite recent graduates, not that she had any, she would have still said yes.

If that is not too much of an imposition I would… It would be a weight off my shoulders. Watching her be turned down by her mother and sister was painful to witness and I am not proud of the things I wanted to tell them. I am even less proud of the fact that I bit my tongue.

It is with a heavy heart and a whole lot of frustration that I admit that I do not know how to make this better.

Minerva could see the spots where his quill nearly punctured the parchment and let her fingers glide over the indents like she could feel the remnants of his frustration still lingering in the words. It was then that she decided that the answer to this letter could not wait until morning. She could barely wait to read the final lines before letting them know.

She dragged her eyes back to the page, fingers twitching impatiently.

Even if you cannot, I know you have some sound advice for me. Should we discuss this over tea? Mother’s honeybees have been rather busy and Lily makes this amazing honey cake. Perhaps I can bribe you with a slice? Or a whole tray if need be?

Ever your devoted godson,

James Potter

[thegreatyin]

*claps* alright lets go over my own master bat species kin assignments then. most of these takes are either based on things i've seen from other people and adopted into my own worldview or just. completely and utterly based on how cute the bat looks. mostly the latter, actually. i have a weakness for cute bats.

The Bandaged Scoundrel/This blog's resident Mr Cards - i simply cannot make a bat list without including her on at least an honorary level. you know her, you hate her, you (debatably) love her, the scoundrel is destined to look like an eastern red bat!!!!! she is so so so fluffy and so so so cute and all of her war crimes are excused forever and ever because look at her itty bitty little face

Mr Veils - going completely with the grain of fandom opinion here, veils is 100% a spectral bat in my eyes. it just. it works so well. it's the largest bat in america. it's one of the few bat species known to eat other bats. its jaw strength is absolutely insane. it's one of very few monogamous bat species, which may seem like an odd detail when listing reasons why it's like veils, but also that beast is incredibly divorced and to this day struggling to cope with said divorce and you cannot convince me otherwise. just. just look at that thing. just Look at its face. that is the face of a creature who knows what its done and is completely and utterly unrepentant about it. veils spectral bat numero uno

Mr Spices - this lazy evil milf is a pygmy fruit eating bat!! there is no strong reasoning behind this choice besides "looks like it would roll around in a pile of crack" and "is very small". i have nothing to say beyond appreciating the little racing stripes on its head. i think they add character. speaking of size differences-

Mr Wines - i've seen a lot of people dub wines a golden-crowned flying fox, which i mostly agree with, except i also discovered spectacled flying foxes exist and have you SEEN their little faces?? their big ol eyes?? their funky little guy swag?? there's not really any particular reason i chose this species above golden-crowned flying foxes (in fact, that one probably does fit wines better), i just really really like their cute little face markings and figured wines having the same thing would be cute. it's a distraction from how unapologetically vile its personality is

Mr Pages - pallid bat. i also have absolutely no justification for this choice. i just think it Looks Like A Pages™. the big ol ears and little snout to balance glasses on?? come on. you can see it. i'm not crazy. that's just a pages creature right there

Mr Fires - HOARY BAT MY BELOVED!!! there is some actual reasoning behind this choice (the bright orange fur around its neck can be used as an analogue for fire, the powdered donut swag on the rest of its body is a bit like smoke, etc) but mostly it comes down to me thinking it'd be really really funny if fires did all of the crimes that it does while being really tiny and having a baby face. look at it. joy and whimsy in its eyes. i just know it's thinking about tormenting union workers as we speak.

Mr Apples/Mr Hearts/Mr Happles/Mr Seriously Needs To Pick One Name And Stick To It Already - this one is just here for completionist's sake. happles is a common vampire bat. we have canon artwork of its face. i'm just using this as an opportunity to force more bat pictures upon ye.

Mr Iron - it is the swords bat. it is the grumpy bat. it is the grumpy swords bat. there is no bat that suits iron more than a literal swords-nosed bat, on account of the fact that it has a sword for a nose and looks kinda grumpy in this picture.

Mr Stones - everyone's dearly beloved little hoarder is BALD BALD BALD BALD BALD BALD BALD a naked bulldog bat. my reasoning? stones feels like the type to compensate for its lack of fur by way of strutting around dressed to the nines in jewelry. also, it's gotta be developing some insane muscles from being weighed down by diamonds 24/7, and what better way to let that show than via a bat that has no fur to obscure them?

Mr Cups and Mr Mirrors - whatever their relation may be, these two share a species in my mind, and that species is the mexican free-tailed bat. this is, much like pages, purely a vibes thing. it just looks like a cups. if you told me this little guy used its whiskers to dig around for trash i'd 100% believe you. mirrors mostly just shares its species by virtue of association, though i do like the idea of it being a silver-haired bat of some kind.

and those are all of my bat takes! feel free to tell me how much i suck and am wrong lmao

[my-head-is-an-animal]

The Climb

Summary: You're a scientist, an engineer to be exact. Called to a meeting you had no real right to be at, Optimus Prime takes an exclusive interest in you, but you can't help but ask yourself at every turn, Why?

Rating: 18+ 🌹🩸🍆

Story Masterlist

Chapter 16

Lennox didn’t ask what had Optimus running off in the middle of the meeting, but he did offer him the opportunity to come clean.

     ‘Look, I’m just saying,’ Lennox said as they entered the Autobot hanger. ‘If it’s something that will help us help Jane, I’d like to know.’

     ‘I appreciate the offer, but I believe all has been done to help her.’ Optimus looked around the hanger for a moment, pensively. ‘It is up to her to return to us now.’

     Lennox nodded, knowing he wouldn’t get anything else from them. ‘I’ll keep you posted.’

     ‘Please do.’ Optimus turned and began transforming, driving himself away to a corner to rest presumably.

     Lennox caught Ratchet and Ironhide’s eye, they both made their way out of the hanger, gesturing for Lennox to follow, out of earshot of Optimus.

     ‘You guys got any idea what’s going on with him?’ Lennox asked as they got outside.

     ‘He’s in love.’ Ironhide shrugged, while Ratchet just folded his arms and shook his head.

     ‘With who? Harding?’

     ‘Indeed.’ The medical officer responded.

     ‘I knew there was something weird about them spending all that time together.’ Lennox almost laughed.

     ‘I believe she has accepted to join in union with him.’ Ratchet sighed. ‘And he is now aware of the true consequences of his actions.’

     ‘Yeah, that’s why he’s sulking now.’ Ironhide huffed.

     ‘Wait, wait, what do you mean joined in union? You mean like marriage?’

     Both Ratchet and Ironhide chuckled.

     ‘Nothing so ceremonial.’ Ratchet scoffed.

     ‘He gave a piece of his Spark to her.’ Ironhide explained. ‘That’s unbreakable and not a choice made lightly.’

     ‘If she wakes, Jane will know all there is to know about Optimus,’ Ratchet continued. ‘And he will know her… your human marriage falls so far short of what they have promised to give one another.’

     Lennox just looked between the two Autobots. ‘I don’t understand, she’s unconscious, when is this supposed to have happened.’

     The exchanged a brief look, before Ratchet went on. ‘Until the Spark inside Jane has learnt to fully understand the new body it is in, a connection will still linger between them.’

     ‘Does that mean he could revive her?’ Lennox asked, eagerly hoping there was a way for Harding to wake up faster.

     Ratchet kneeled in front of him. ‘Understand this: if Optimus disturbs her recovery in any way, it could make things worse. He cannot communicate with her, she must go to him, that is how we will know if she is strong enough to house his Spark.’

     ‘But if she’s made contact, isn’t that a good thing?’

     ‘It is a positive sign yes, but once is not enough, it may have been an accident for all we know.’

     ‘Could’ve been a dream.’ Ironhide suggested.

     ‘Indeed.’ Ratchet nodded, curiously. ‘You humans have a strange capacity for dreams,’ he began standing, turning his attention to Ironhide. ‘Yet another thing Optimus has not considered.’

     ‘Give the guy a break.’ Ironhide defended his friend.

     ‘He hasn’t thought this through, he did not act rationally.’

     ‘Love is not rational, you know that, but I trust his judgement. He wouldn’t have done this if he thought she couldn’t handle it.’

     Ratchet just grunted and folded his arms, turning to look at the horizon. Ironhide sighed and turned back to Lennox.

     ‘Everything will be fine.’ He brushed the conversation away and headed back inside the hanger.

     ‘You don’t seem convinced.’ Lennox commented to Ratchet, hoping he could get a little more information out of him.

     The medical officer turned his head towards him, again grunting in frustration.

     ‘It would not be wise to speak any further.’ He said, calmly. ‘I should not have spoken out of turn, this is not my decision to judge.’

     It was a far cry from the behaviour Lennox had just witnessed with Ironhide, but he couldn’t force Ratchet to tell him anything.

     Lennox decided to make a visit to Harding, to get an update like he promised Optimus he would. When he arrived, it was to find Smith arguing with one of the doctors.

     ‘Do you know who I am?’ Smith demanded as if he would get a different answer because of who he was.

     ‘I know you work for the president, but it doesn’t change a single thing.’ The doctor shot back.

     ‘What’s going on here?’ Lennox asked.

     ‘Lennox, this doesn’t concern you.’ Smith snapped.

     ‘This is a military hospital,’ Lennox was fed up now. ‘Military personnel only.’ He gestured to a couple of soldiers nearby. ‘Would you mind escorting Mr Smith out of here? I’m sure the patients could do with a little quiet.’

     Before Smith could say anything else, he was forcefully escorted out. The doctor gave Lennox a quick nod before gesturing for him to follow her into Harding’s room.

     ‘Any change?’ Lennox asked, quietly closing the door behind him.

     Harding looked helpless lying in the bed. The woman who climbed thirty thousand feet to save the world and here she was, struggling to wake up. She was hooked up to machines and every single aspect of her body was being monitored.

     ‘Her brain waves have shown some improvement.’ The doctor noted.

     ‘That’s a good sign, right?’

     ‘It’s an excellent sign.’ She smiled. ‘It was a few hours ago, when you were in your meeting with Smith, I think she had a dream, perhaps reliving some memory. Look here.’

     The doctor showed Lennox the tablet that recorded Harding’s brain waves, he didn’t fully understand it, but enough to know that this was a very good sign indeed. He sent the data to his own tablet and made a note to show Optimus when he got the chance.

     ‘I think it would help for you to stay for a while,’ the doctor went on. ‘She seems to respond best when people talk to her.’

     ‘Yeah, sure.’ Lennox smiled, still feeling the relief that Harding might have woken up soon. ‘Wait, did you say this happened during the meeting?’

     The doctor was about to leave the room, but Lennox stopped her with his question.

     ‘Yeah, they went on for about half an hour.’ She confirmed.

     Lennox thought for a moment. ‘I’ll be back. Do not let anyone but me in here, understand?’

     ‘Yes, sir.’

     Lennox tried to subtly rush towards the Autobot hanger, he didn’t want to draw any attention, but he did want to get to Optimus and Ratchet quickly.

     ‘Hey!’ He caught the medical officer’s attention, guiding him over to where Optimus was still sulking. ‘Optimus, you need to see this.’ The Autobot leader remained still, much to everyone’s mild annoyance. ‘Look, Harding’s brain waves were active-‘

     Before Lennox could finish the sentence, Optimus transformed back into his full form. He knelt in front of Lennox, waiting for him to continue.

     ‘When you did that union thing,’ Lennox caught the slightly angered expression between Optimus and Ratchet. ‘Her brain waves were more active than they have been since we started monitoring them. She’s in there somewhere and for half an hour, she was fighting to wake up.’ Lennox showed Optimus the tablet with the evidence. ‘Ratchet said that you couldn’t disturb her recovery, that it could make things worse, but you said it yourself that you don’t really know what will happen when a Spark is transferred into an organic host. What if she needs you to make contact? What if what Autobots need after the procedure is the exact opposite of what she needs?’

     Optimus waited a moment, clearly thinking fast. He looked to Ratchet for a conclusion, both Autobots stood tall for a moment and remained quiet.

     ‘What? What is it?’ Lennox asked.

     ‘I am uncertain the risk is worth it.’ Ratchet confessed. ‘Optimus, we cannot make a decision hastily, there is still a possibility it could make things worse.’

     Optimus was still quiet.

     ‘How long can she stay like this before you have to do something?’ Lennox reasoned, much to Ratchet’s disdain.

     Optimus knelt down again, he wore a serious expression. ‘You are aware of our union, Captain Lennox, you are aware of my feelings for Jane.’

     ‘You love her.’ Lennox nodded.

     ‘So, you understand that where her safety is concerned, I cannot make a mistake, I cannot act rashly… no matter how much I wish to see her again.’ He confessed more to himself. ‘We will wait a little longer before attempting to make contact. I only ask that you keep Ratchet informed of everything that happens to her, no matter how insignificant it may seem.’

     ‘You really won’t help her?’ Lennox asked, watching his eyes narrow for a moment.

     ‘Understand this, I have now given my dedication and devotion to her, I will spend the remainder of my life protecting her without condition.’ Optimus leaned forward a little more to make his point clear. ‘Help is such a small word to describe what I am doing for her. This is the right course of action. Jane will wake up on her own. Have faith in that.’

     Lennox swallowed, half annoyed, half understanding that he just didn’t understand everything. ‘Fine.’ He said. ‘Just do one thing for me. For her.’ Optimus nodded for him to make his request. ‘Talk to her. Sit next to her bed and talk to her, just for a while. The doctors say that when people talk to her, it helps. Don’t asked me how, but I think she’d appreciate it if you were there for a while.’

     ‘And say what?’ Optimus frowned, confused oat the human way of helping someone who was in hospital.

     ‘She’s your wife,’ Lennox chuckled. ‘Talk to her about what you normally talk about.’

     Lennox left Optimus with that single confusing thought, he chuckled to himself thinking on how he’d missed just how close they had become. He still had so many questions, but maybe Harding could answer a few when she woke.

If you liked this, please consider supporting me ☕ thanks for reading!

[ladyylavenderrr]

Talked about this in an ao3 comment so I’m repeating myself, but I always interpreted Mila’s rant to Garak in A Stitch In Time about assimilating into Cardassian society as very telling about what the nature of her relationship with Tain might be like.

Tw: sexual assault and a whole lot of internalized racism

After Garak returns from Bamarren, he’s being forced into the Obsidian Order and Mila is the one to walk him to their headquarters. She tells him “Understand, Elim-you are being given the opportunity to move above the service class.” The opportunity here is emphasized again and again in this scene.

When Garak tries to contradict her implication that the service class isn’t valuable or desirable, she becomes furious, speaking with a passion we haven’t seen her express ever before and don’t see expressed again. I just want to highlight the exact passage I find most important.

"Listen to me!" she said with a passion that startled me. "You are my son and you are a Cardassian. Not a Hebitian. Look around you!" she commanded. I did. We were in the great public area which is surrounded by the buildings that house the power of the Union.

"Hebitians did not build this. Cardassians did. Your father and I serve and maintain, but we do not influence or guide the destiny of the Union. You could. That's why you must submit right now! Do you understand me, Elim? Once we walk through that door," she indicated the one that led to the subterranean levels of the Assembly building-to the Obsidian Order-"you must submit to your fate."

Mila is a Hebitian woman and yet she obviously rejects that heritage and culture. She’s directly juxtaposed with her brother, Tolan, who is desperately trying to keep his identity alive. Meanwhile, Mila assimilates as much as she can. She demands Garak do the exact same. She glorifies the acts of Cardassians (in this case I’m using “Cardassian” to mean non-Hebitians). Most importantly, she tells Elim to submit, submit, submit. Whatever is about to happen to him, it’s going to elevate him from service class and Hebitian to upper class and Cardassian, the dominant and powerful racial category in their society. The message is obvious. The best thing a Hebitian can do is assimilate and submit to Cardassians.

I always saw this scene as a sort of extension of her relationship with Tain, or what it could be like. Her dialogue here obviously reads as her projecting onto Garak in some way, that’s very clear. She’s telling him to submit to the Order, yes, and the racial and class divide of their society, but more importantly, to Tain and his whims. After all, he’s the one at the very core of Garak being forced into the Order. And Tain very much represents this racial hegemony of Cardassians. He’s directly contrasted with Mila, Garak’s other parent, he literally lives above her and her Hebitian family, he has a collection of ancient artifacts from other cultures collecting dust in his study like some kind of commodity.

Mila wants Garak to submit to the racial and class hierarchy by assimilating, just like she does. She also wants him to submit to Tain, because he and that hierarchy are the same. So then, can we assume she has also submitted to Tain?

We don’t know much about the relationship between Tain and Mila, and what we do know (her being his employee) doesn’t scream perfectly consensual. This interpretation makes that dubious consent a lot more dubious I know.

To me, this scene makes me view the relationship between the couple as Mila having more directly submitted to Tain by being his lover, because it’s an opportunity (there’s that word again) to have some kind of power, to be near that racial ideal, to be more than a mere Hebitian, and more importantly, because she simply won’t ever fight back against the racial and class hierarchy (Tain) she’s trapped in, unlike her brother. What Tain wants, Tain gets. What Cardassians want from Hebitians, they get, so why fight back? This is the only way to survive for Mila and it might just bring her some kind of power, no matter how small.

Their relationship is a sort of microcosm of how Mila navigates being Hebitian. Cardassians dominate her and she doesn’t fight back. And even if she cares about Tain (the way she talks about him in TDIC makes this likely to me), they both know she can never be his equal and she’ll always be expendable to him.

I hope this analysis and interpretation makes sense

[radiofreesanjak]

[A package arrives]

[The attached note reads]

"Hello there, it is quite irritating that this is all I can do for now, however, enclosed in this box is

My dear Lady Rosceline's favourite coffee blend

Lady Ren's favourite tea blend

Their mother's favourite tea set (she is going to be livid)

I wish you freedom and good fortune,

There are always outliers,

None are free till all are free,

Marceline [CALLSIGN: FALSEHOOD]

P.S. Turns out, you can strip most of a GMS Chomolungma down to something that'll weld pretty easy to a hardsuit

P.P.S. I can provide a personalised "stats sheet" for such a creation, should you wish

P.P.P.S. The sheet will involve multiple NHPs, we aren't necessary to the "build", but, as I said, personalised

I have struggled with how to answer this.

I have never been given a gift like this before, did you know that? This set seems handmade, the coffee and tea fresh and rich smelling. It speaks to me of great luxury, unlike what we find here on Sanjak.

It makes me wonder your motivations in sending such a gift, though I don't know you. Are you seeking to endear me to your employers? To get such a package past the blockade is difficult, and a thing that is done with great expense.

If that is the case then I'd have to refuse, of course, and send it back. My issue with them is not personal, my support cannot be bought. It is rather ideological, an issue I have with the fact of their status, and the violence that must be done to maintain it. With what I have heard of the state of the house you serve, this violence is a thing you must be aware of keenly. You'd understand, then, that my problem is the hierarchy, and the clinging to a status that necessitates the superiority of some over others: one that always carries the potential for abuse, and has few outlets for rectifying that abuse.

(You've said to me before that you do enjoy serving, which I understand: but there is a difference between the choice to serve and the compulsion. Between a compact between lovers and a legal distinction that binds regardless of actual consent.)

I'd reiterate, in that instance, that kindness doesn't matter beside the fact of status, and if this is an offering as one would give to the Passions for forgiveness of a transgression I can only refuse, for I have no capacity to forgive such a thing and, even if I did, I feel I can only forgive an abuse that isn't still ongoing. (In that way I am quite forgiving indeed: one of my good friends is a former noble that has given up her old titles. Let me know if yours does too and I'll be happy to learn the Crosslandic ruleset for kapkat.)

However, if this is only a kindness you seek to do then I'll accept it in that spirit. I am not wanting for the heirlooms of deposed nobles, and will likely return the set anyway when the opportunity next strikes. I have a sneaking feeling that it might be involved in some petty scheme of nobles primarily invested in annoying one another that I wish to have no involvement with, but you can consider it a possession of yours. Share it with your fellows, I'm certain you deserve it.

As for the frame, I've said before that we lack the need for firepower, and we have limited support capacity for NHPs, but let me know if you wish for me to print you here anyway. You'll find little presence of NHPro here; Union keeps their hands off us for now, and if you would like the safe haven, I am happy to offer it.

[matchagator]

TXT/SKZ | Regal Affairs | Ch. 2

While Aurelia settles into Choi court and Yeonjun battles the reality of his unwanted approaching nuptials, Reina comes in close contact with a very bold, very alluring Taehyun.

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

{Main Pairings:} Choi Yeonjun x Original Female Character, Kang Taehyun x Original Female Character, Lee Minho (Leeknow) x Original Female Character

{Rating:} 18+

{Genre:} Royals

{Warnings:} Arranged Marriage, Flirting, Forbidden Romance, Drama, Family Dynamics, Future Smut

The next morning, the sun rose above the horizon as the betrothed pairing took a stroll through the castle. Yeonjun practically waltzed through the corridors, moving swiftly to end the interaction so that he could respectfully neglect her presence. Aurelia was more than willing to keep up with his pace, her shoes scuffing across the stone floor. The tour of the castle was fleeting as the princess tried to make polite conversation, but was interrupted by her groom before she could utter a sound. Yeonjun strategically spoke about each area of the house to avoid dwelling in awkward small talk, leaving no room for Aurelia to get a word in edgewise. 

He found his demise as they reached the garden, where the space was bountiful and there was a spectacle to see in every corner of the grounds. His limbs were exhausted from the haste within the walls of the chateau and were begging for solace as they transitioned to the gravel pathway. With the change in pace, Aurelia drank in the tranquility of the sun shining down upon her fair complexion and brightened the hues of the flowers. 

“Look at how beautiful the weather is this morning.” She sighed happily, taking slow deep breaths as she promenaded alongside Yeonjun through the autumn blooms. The prince merely nodded in accordance with her statement, giving no proper reply to thread a more in-depth conversation. 

Aurelia held her hands behind her back as she peered at the handsome man beside her, sparked with interest as he continued to steel himself from her presence. “Do you favor any past times?” Her gentle steps crunched against the jagged rock beneath them as they headed for the lake. 

He chuckled sarcastically, fighting the urge to roll his eyes. “Future kings do not get much time to pass, unlike their fertile, craven queens…” He took the opportunity to knock down her character, enjoying the flinch in her muscles from his comment. “I suppose when I do, I rather enjoy swordsmanship, archery-”

“Combat.” Aurelia boldly interrupted, unimpressed by his interest in weapons and battles just like any other man of their time. How predictable and brainless. She was spurred on by his presumptuous slander of women in her predicament, and if he was such an advocate for war then she would be willing to participate.

Yeonjun picked up on the smallest hint of venom in her tone, smirking to himself. “I also like to paint.” His steps moved without hesitation onto the grass, crossing the field to reach the edge of the land while Aurelia faltered, falling behind briefly as her mind processed an image of the eldest Choi having the patience for intricate strokes upon an impressionable canvas. 

She cleared her throat, gathering her gown to chase after him. “You paint?” She inquired, trying to capture his eye as she caught up to him once again. He only hummed in response as he finally reached the shore. “Let me guess…images of war and bloodshed?” She was only teasing, but the sharpness in his glare held her tongue from further speaking. She needed to make this union work and antagonizing him would only make their bond more unbearable. 

“Does it matter?” He challenged, turning his body and adjusting his posture to oppose her menacingly. 

Aurelia did not grow timid from his display of masculinity, only looking to know more about the man she would be marrying in only a few days. “Yes…it tells me what is in your heart.” She looked up at him through her eyelashes, enamored by his stature as she admired his handsome features under the harsh demeanor.

The betrothed stood in silence momentarily, gazing at each other as they observed the characteristics of one another. Yeonjun drank in the view of her bosom just under the bridge of his nose, flickering his dark orbs up to her face and tracing every curve with admiration. There was no denying a physical attraction was present between them, but many more strides were necessary for their emotional bond to tether. 

Yeonjun was the first to break free from the enchanting spell of her beauty. “Come, I will show you the training grounds we use for combat.” He flashed her a roguish smirk as he twisted his body in order to guide her to the other end of the castle grounds, close to the thick treeline surrounding their home. 

While he was facing away from her, Aurelia stole the opportunity to roll her eyes. Boys. She trailed behind him, waltzing across the lush grass as she admired the scenery of the field during their journey. She subconsciously fiddled with the pendant of her necklace, thinking about her future, their future. She hadn’t been in court long, but it was facile to observe the relationship between the siblings was stitched closely despite the affectionate banter.  “I notice you are quite close with your brothers and sister…” This captured his attention, his muscles tense as he wondered what she might try to discuss in regard to his siblings. “Does that implicate you to want more than one child as well?” Aurelia admired the bond of the Choi offspring, missing the opportunities she could have had if her parents created more children. 

Yeonjun relaxed, sighing as he fixed his narrow eyes towards his bride. “Ah, the imbeciles, you mean?” He chuckled at his own joke. “Yes, I guess you could say I’m fond of them.” It was a pure understatement; there wasn’t a thing he wouldn’t do for his younger brothers or sister. He hid behind the veil of annoyance well, but his instincts gravitated towards their presence, enjoying the laughter they brought into the castle and his mundane life.  “As for children of my own…” He thought about it for a second, imagining the pitter-patter of tiny feet stampeding through the corridors just as he and his siblings would when they were younger. A ghost of a smile graced his lips as a sense of pride swelled within his chest. Above all else, he wanted children and was more than happy to participate in the ritual of creating them. He glanced slyly at Aurelia, “I’d like as many as your womb allows.” He left her speechless with a wink, striding proudly towards the terrain of the training area. 

Aurelia felt heat overcome her cheeks, praying that it was coming from the rays of the sun rather than the impact of his words. How could he be so bold? Why not just give her an ideal number rather than imply he was willing to fill her with his seed indefinitely? She huffed in rebuttal, stomping her heels into the dirt. “How do you suppose I would allow you that many children?”

Yeonjun chuckled as he turned back to her, his smirk ever present as he intended to torment her imagination. “It’s hardly complicated, you simply lay back and open your legs.”

Aurelia held back her urge to slap him, “You’re insufferable.” She hissed in retaliation.

He took a menacing step forward, “Yet in only a few days, you won’t have a choice. That’s the beauty of our arrangement.” He tilted his head, staring her down condescendingly. “Bedamned the etiquette and manners, we are forced together regardless. Save yourself the effort and end this forsaken charade.”

She was left speechless yet again, unprepared for how to manage his attitude respectfully. In the end, she held her tongue; if he didn’t want her efforts then she would give him nothing in return. She took a deep breath, soothing the bubbling anger that simmered under the surface of her calm demeanor. “I understand our circumstances are less than ideal, but it is our duty and I hope that in the future, you find our pairing is favorable.” She gave a small curtesy, excusing herself to retreat towards the castle. She refused to let him break her spirit, plaguing her mind with rebellion; she was raised to be queen and planned to continue on the path flawlessly. 

—

The crisp crinkling of parchment echoed through the castle corridors as Reina flipped through a novel of foreign policy, strolling through the lavishly decorated space, her gown trailing behind her as it swished with each of her steps. She found herself merely reading the words printed on the page, completely disengaged from the context of the information. 

She let a sigh escape her lips as she dabbled in the mundane subject matter, wishing princesses wouldn’t need to learn such things. It wasn’t like they would need the information themselves. The man of any marriage was tasked with that responsibility while women were seen as pawns in bearing an heir. 

Reina’s mind couldn’t help but venture onto Aurelia, thinking back on the conversations shared at the dinner table the night of her arrival. She was her family's only heir, yet she wouldn’t be able to reign as their queen until she was wed to a king, one with a claim to the crown and the power to rule their nation. Surely she would be able to rule alongside her counsel. Through the brief interactions she shared with the visiting royal, she was highly intelligent and knowledgeable. However, despite her capabilities to rule independently,  her kingdom would appear weak in a man’s eyes, the world filled with vulturous men eager to prey on weak unsuspecting nations to conquer them for their own. 

This must be why Aurelia was so eager to appeal to Reina's mother and father, why she didn’t mind being promised to a complete stranger. Her nation would need the support of a king’s rule, and her eldest brother would be just that.  

It’s just a matter of time before mother and father sell you both off just the same.

Reina shuddered at the thought of Yeonjun’s words during Aurelia’s arrival. They were both arranged to be married not by their own free will, but by their parents' bidding. They would need to live the rest of their lives married to one another despite Yeonjun’s distaste of the sheepish royal and despite any of Aurelia’s wishes. 

Reina continued to peer down at the busy pages nestled in her palm, her mind venturing from the parchment as she dwelled on her interactions with the handsome servant, Taehyun. Reina hoped she’d marry for love, destined to spend her days with a man who fills her with happiness and admiration. Her mind suddenly shifted to the horrid reality that one day, she might also be promised off to some outsider all for alliance and security amongst a changing world. 

She shook herself of her thoughts, flipping through a few more pages of her book before turning the corner of the corridor, eager to seek out Beomgyu for a much-needed change in pace. Her book closed with a loud thud as she glanced up from the object, her eyes widening once realizing that she was inches from colliding with another individual. 

Unfortunately, she didn’t have enough time to avoid the collision, the loud clanking of Taehyun’s metal tray ringing against the stone floors as red wine splattered across the marble, rouge grapes and cheeses joining the disarray. Her eyes found Taehyun stumbling back from the impact, Reina struggling to find her footing as well before glancing down at the heap on the ground. 

“Taehyun, I apologize…I…I was reading before...” Reina stumbled over her words, feeling her cheeks flush in embarrassment as his gentle wide eyes bore through her soul. She was relieved to see a chuckle tug at his lips as she knelt down to begin gathering some of the debris onto the now-empty tray. 

“Please, Your Highness. It’s entirely my fault.” He added without hesitation, working quickly to clean any remnants off the floor. 

Reina felt partially responsible for the mess, crouching beside him as she set her book down to aid in picking up litter. Taehyun paused in his movements, surprised to see a royal not only aid in cleaning up the mess but also using a handkerchief that was tucked with her gown to aid in wiping up the spilled wine. “Let me help.” The young princess stumbled against the stone, making quick swiping motions in her best attempt to clean the spilled wine, the sleeve of her gown becoming saturated with the substance.

Taehyun moved quickly to pull his own rag from his pocket, aiding to remove any excess liquid, stunned that Reina was still trying to work alongside him in rectifying the mess. “Your Highness, please don’t worry about it. Princesses shouldn’t scurry, especially not on stone flooring.” He placed his rag onto the silver tray, grabbing her handkerchief before offering his hand to assist her in standing. Reina hadn't realized she was on her hands and knees, appearing as if she had just been scrubbing the floors, which she so boldly did. 

She gave up on her mission as she reluctantly accepted his hand, feeling a jolt of electricity course through her body as Taehyun’s gentle fingertips caressed the fabric of her sleeve. She could feel his warmth seep through the material of her gown, warming her body in an insatiable heat. 

Taehyun’s hair hung loosely in his eyes as he used his free hand to push back the strands, exposing his bright-eyed stare. “Your gown...” He spoke softly, his voice almost a whisper as his fingers trailed down the soiled fabric, grazing over the spot. 

“Oh, it’s nothing.” Reina pulled her arm away from his soft embrace, hiding it behind her to conceal the damage of her efforts. “It’s only a gown. I’ll come up with some excuse as to why it’s been stained.” Reina shrugged off the matter as she glanced back down to see if there were any remaining objects scattered about. 

Taehyun was mesmerized by her nature, stunned to find that she wasn’t like most royals he’d come across. She treated him as if he were her equal, making him feel like a man of dignity despite his current position as a servant in the palace. He was in awe of her, wishing their status wouldn’t be an obstacle for him to profess his affection, knowing there could never be anything between them other than their hidden flirtatious gestures. 

As if his mouth spoke on its own, he found himself stepping closer to her as his eyes darkened with intent. “Take off your gown.” 

Reina blinked, completely dumbfounded by the audacious statement that escaped Taehyun’s lips. Her face flushed a deeper shade of crimson as she struggled to meet his gaze. “Pardon me?”

Taehyun refused to release her from his captivating glare, ignoring thoughts of the consequences as his mind whirled with images of her figure beneath the material adorning her body.  With a jolt, he managed to peel his stare from her figure, peering up as his eyes widened at the reality of his predicament. “For the stain, your highness.” He quickly added, fumbling back as he allowed their proximity to simmer. “If you take off your gown and leave it in your chambers, I can tend to the stain.” He quickly attempted to cover his remark, wishing he could toss himself from the top of the trivets, mortified that he allowed himself to be so bold. 

Reina visibly relaxed as she took in his explanation, nodding in agreement as she pulled her arm from behind her, examining her sleeve once more. “I shall. Thank you.” She spoke softly, her eyes glimmering at Taehyun with a wild desire as if expressing similar interests in the young servant. He felt himself gulp back his shock before Reina turned to make her way towards her chambers. “I’ll send my maid to inform you once it’s ready.” She called back, fighting every urge in her being from turning around to further indulge in the interactions she shared with the handsome servant.

Taehyun stood still as he watched her confidently strut down the corridors, leaving him practically drooling at the sight of her backside swaying with each step. 

{Tag List:} @luv4gyuuu

[dodorimo]

something old, something new - part 2

continuation to this. Raphtav. 1.6k

Raphael actually appears here. Car sex ensues.

AO3 link

· · ──────  ❊  ────── · ·

“Can we expect little ones soon?”

The coffee spews out of her mouth in a perfect arch. For an instant, she must’ve looked like one of those tacky, fish-like water fountains you often see in gardens.

Did Astarion wait until she took a big sip so she would make an even bigger mess? The bastard.

Tav quickly assesses the damage. Her new clothes have been spared, thankfully. The same couldn’t be said for the restaurant's table.

Their shopping spree had been a success. Somewhere along the way, Astarion convinced her she was in dire need of new jewelry, which brought up the matter of her complete lack of proper beachwear, and so on. There were almost too many bags to carry, all of them were from different brands: Hermès, Tiffany, Dior, Sephora (that last one was a little self-indulgence of hers).

“We’ve too much on our plate to worry about kids,” she said, grabbing a napkin to clean up her mess.

Raphael as a father? Hell would first freeze over.

“When you say ‘we’ do you mean ‘we both individually’ or ‘we’ as in ‘I don’t want it’?” He emphasizes his point by making quotation marks with his fingers. “With how quickly he put a ring on it, you’d think he’s plugging you full every night.”

And there goes the last sip of her coffee. Out of her mouth.

The lewd picture he conjured aside, she had to disagree that it was really that fast. Four months of dating is a perfectly reasonable amount of time for people over 30. Right? … Right?

“‘We’ as in ‘we’ have no vocation to be parents.”

“Hm. A shame.” Astarion makes a face. “Some would argue you two are too pretty for your union not to bear fruit,” he says and takes a bite off his ice cream… A bite. With his teeth. She’s pretty sure this is the first time she’s seen anyone do that.

“What’s your excuse?” she deflected. “You should’ve an army of nose-pickers by now.”

That managed to shut him up.

She seizes the opportunity to lazily scroll through her social media feed. All afternoon, she and Astarion joked about all the ways Raphael would get back on her for her (presumably) dress transgression. They had plenty of ideas: he would send her a text (signed with his initials, as he usually does), then come pick her up in his limo to give her a ‘stern talking to’. All meaningless jest, of course. With no basis in reality. None.

That's why when the notification pops up on her screen, she thinks it's her mind playing tricks on her. But the more she stares at it, the less likely it is to go away.

[17h14]  ❤︎ Million Dollar Man ❤︎ said: I’m outside - R

“Guess you're going to have to hitch a ride on your own now.” She tilts her phone so Astarion can read the message too. “Mine just arrived.”

Astarion sends her a look over his silver-rimmed sunglasses. He doesn’t seem fazed. “Oh my. Speak of the devil.”

They say their goodbyes (and in his case, good luck) and then she’s off to search for her fiancée. It doesn’t take long. In fact, it doesn’t take time at all. Parked at the front of the street and taking up most of the space is a black limousine.

Why the limousine today and not one of his many sports cars? She would’ve more luck making sense of a physics problem.

The car takes off the moment she gets in. She holds on to her seat to keep from tipping over. Gods, she forgot how fast those things were.

She remembers her first ride. The giddy smile on her face. Do you see me now, mother? It seems almost banal now.

Sitting across from her, Raphael is a sight worthy of a magazine cover. He’s dressed in a three-piece black suit today, with a burgundy tie and a golden watch on his wrist.

In other words, he’s looking every inch the filthy rich man he is.

Tav almost feels bad about her waist-high jeans and loose ponytail. Almost.

“You have coffee on your shirt,” are his first words to her.

And, just like that, all her goodwill goes out the window. She tactfully adjusts her hair so it covers the offending stain. “Hello to you too,” she mumbles.

Something is plaguing him today. His fingers drum on his thigh in a frantic staccato. Whatever he wanted to say to her, he didn’t like it at all. Thankfully, she finds out soon enough.

“I need a plus one for today’s inauguration party.”

“But I thought that was…”

“Taken care of?” He waves a dismissive hand. “So did I. Change of plans. Out of my control.” Annoyance reduced his usual flowery language to a series of short sentences. That bad, huh.

Today is her day off. He’s in big trouble.

“You’ll be thoroughly rewarded.” This is the closest he’d come to pleading with her.

The effort is good enough. She nods, a small smile playing on her lips.

Raphael lets out a sigh and it's as if the weight of the world has been lifted from his shoulders. She’s still staring at him expectantly, though. Was that really all?

“So… you didn’t come for the dress?”

For some reason, he found this hilarious. “Why? Is there something you wish to tell me, my dear?”

She doesn’t have to answer. The car slows down; they’ve arrived at their destination. His penthouse, by the looks of it. The one on the main street, to be more specific.

“Daniella will brief you on the details when you get there.” The mirth he showed earlier is gone. He’s all business now.

“You’re not staying?”

“I have other matters to attend to before the party. I’ll meet you there.” He moves to open the door.

“Wait.” She holds his wrist and looks at him in the eye, hoping her pouty lips and pleading gaze would convey her meaning.

Fortunately for her, it does.

Raphael tastes like whiskey and freshly picked cherries. The kiss starts slowly, a mere touch of lips, before evolving into something more intense, passionate. She gets lost in him, in the feeling of his body pressing against hers and his hand cupping her breast.

He pulls away suddenly. He almost seems angry at her, with his ragged breath and furrowed brow. She hears the door closing with a soft click.

“Ten minutes.”

Then he kisses her again.

Tav smiles against his lips. This is a lot more than she was going for.

Raphael parts from her just long enough to check if the privacy screen that separates the car from the driver’s seat is closed. It is.

As with most things where he was concerned, she struggled to wrap her head around his bed habits. He had all the pomp of a man who wanted to be in control, while sparing none of the effort.

But there is an appeal in the challenge, in the idea of bending him to her wishes. Just as she knows he would be doing the same to her.

With practiced ease, she pulls out his cock from his trousers and kneels in front of him. The car is big enough for her to do so without issue.

Tav knows by now just how much he enjoys a show. Almost as much as he enjoys the feeling itself. So she gives him what he wants.

She starts by teasing the sensitive skin at the base of his cock, her hand fondling his balls. He sucks in a breath. He doesn’t want to let her know how eager he is already. As if she couldn’t tell.

He's not idle, in the sense that he talks her through it. Praises her at every move, telling her how good her tongue feels on him, how pretty she looks with his cock down her throat, what a naughty little whore she is who couldn’t wait until they’re out of the public eye.

Tav wasn't completely honest with Astarion. Raphael is good at this. At telling her what to do. On most days, his voice alone is enough to get her off.

He commands her to pull up her shirt, move faster, put her little fingers between her legs. Where are the manners he showed her just now?

She kisses him and takes him whole and makes that little wet noise halfway between a kiss and a suck that he likes so much. She even gives her tongue a few taps with his cock. In a matter of minutes, he’s close to the edge.

“Get up.” Sweat runs down his temples as he struggles to keep hold of himself. “I’m finishing inside you.”

“I…it’s that time of the month.” She swears she told him.

For a frightening moment, he seems to be weighing his options, before deciding on sinking his fingers into her hair, pulling her to him. “Finish what you started.”

Gladly.

The hand at the back of her neck gives her little choice. She swallows everything he has to give, little tears pricking her eyes and, when it’s done, she sticks out her tongue for his perusal. Not a drop to be seen.

His smile is wide as he gives her cheek a playful slap. She is being dismissed.

She watches him as he fixes his clothes. His hair is disheveled in all the places her fingers touched. There’s a hint of pride in knowing she was the cause, in knowing she was the one to make a dent in his perfectly manicured facade.

It is only for the sake of her rebellious womb that she doesn’t guide his fingers to her wet cunt so he can finish what he started. Disgust be damned.

“Later then.” 

She gives him one last look before the door closes. His voice is husky when he finally answers, evoking a pet name coined long ago.

“Until later, little mouse.”

[dcggersedge]

🎄

What was this ridiculous sprig of green and red? A single irritated gander directed toward sky and ceiling provisioned that answer. Rafal grunted, the low hanging brush of prickly leaves swept aside by his waving hand, thoughts to follow within ear shot of the companion at his side as if she might wield better understanding of it. Wise over man made triviality was this dragon not.

"Mistle. . .toe, is it? Such strange and groundless tradition that humankind conjures into being." Nigh incomprehensible to the spiritless denizens of a long dead Gradlon, a land dreary always, and festive never. The greater layer of lunacy at hand; one could scarcely fathom the origins of a tradition dedicated solely to bringing mouths together and minds in embarrassed conflict.

What was the purpose; did people welcome this opportunity, enjoy it, the casting off of inhibition and propriety for the fleeting union beneath a accursed leaf? Perhaps there were room to find out for oneself.

"Well. I am at least aware of the rules. In accordance with them, I could begin to imagine that we are at a stalemate." There was nothing stopping Rafal from moving on, but still he stayed within an inch of Yunaka. He crossed his arms, steadily rooted on his heels. Gaze lowered to surveil her. . .why was it that his eyes lidded, too? "How exactly is it to be broken, Yunaka?" A curious and meandering nonchalance, born with every intent to find out.

"Perhaps, just perhaps, you can show me."

'tis the season | accepting!

Man. He was so lucky that he was pretty. It almost made up for how annoying he could be.

Even as she rolls her eyes, she's smiling. Oh, sure, he totally hates the tradition so much that he's going to stick around just to find out just how much he hates it. Totally believable and real. She wonders if he hears how he sounds when he talks like that, or if he's just so confident in himself that it doesn't even register as silly. She wishes she had that kinda energy.

"Stalemate? Sounds like you're just making up an excuse to hand me a win." The proud and scary dragon could never be the one to admit that he just wanted a kiss. Absolutely not. Yunaka leans back against the doorframe with a tilt to her head, like she's trying to think. "What does that make it now? Like, a million to one, for me? You're slacking, Rafal."

Now, how does she want to enjoy her win?

"There's lots of ways we could break it, I think." Casually, she reaches out and places a hand on his arm. She slides it along until she can wrap around his wrist and pull it free. From there, her grip shifts, until she's holding his hand like a knight might take their lord's.

"We can do something boring and simple that gets the job done." Her first suggestion is punctuated by the press of her lips to the back of his hand. Her eyes never leave his, watching for any hint of fluster. She wants her win to be sweet, after all.

But that's boring. She didn't hang around Rafal because he was boring. And just a kiss to the lips was so predictable.

"Or, if we wanted something a little more bold..." There's a few ideas, but none of which she wants to do where someone might pass by and see. She moves his hand, still keeping it near her, still keeping the back of it facing her. She pushes lightly, until she's able to get him to hold his ring finger just a little separate from the others.

Enough that she can bite down on it. Not hard, just enough for the threat of teeth to be felt, right where an Emblem Ring would have sat. Sharp eyes still watch, this time with a promise.

A little more bold, if they have the privacy.