#Gil is super sweet with kids

[softquietsteadylove]

Hey I had this idea for the ice queen/tyrant king au! Thena visits Gil to speak about business but then she sees him from a little distance in his building how he comforts a lost little girl (let’s say about the age of 5-8) and how sweet he talks to her and gives her some sweets and makes her laugh.

"Ice Queen," his staff greeted as soon as she walked into the building. She had business to go over with him, and it happened that this time it was easier for her to visit his office. "You are expected."

"I'll show myself in," she nodded to them, as they did her. There was nothing questionable about her showing herself up and into Gil's office for herself, as much as that was maybe not something she wanted.

She hadn't been to Gil's office in a while, by now. She had been avoiding it, after all, and even before that, he usually ended up at hers first. By sheer coincidence, of course, not because they were both more familiar with her office being where they were...intimate.

Enough of that train of thought.

Thena was nearly to the elevators when she paused. She leaned only slightly, partially behind a massive column. There was a little girl, seemingly by herself and crying in Gil's lobby. But it wasn't the child's upset that had drawn her attention.

"Hey, what's wrong, little lady?"

Gilgamesh knelt down by the girl, who wiped her eyes and nose with her hands before Gil pulled out his pocket square and handed it to her.

"Are you lost?" he asked her gently, offering his most charming smile to the little visitor.

The girl nodded, looking between Gil and the extravagant fish tank that had caught her attention. "I just wanted to look at them."

"They're pretty, aren't they?" Gil chuckled, getting another nod. He looked at the fish with her. "I picked them all out myself."

"Really?"

"Yep," he beamed at the child, scooching on the floor to point at the fish swimming around. "That one's my favourite."

The little girl gasped at the fish with its flowing fins. "It's so pretty!"

"Isn't she?" he chuckled, even lifting the girl slightly so she could see it better. "She's dangerous, though."

"Dangerous?"

"She's a fighting fish," Gil explained, leading the girl away by the hand. "But she was so pretty, I couldn't resist."

"What's her name?"

"Thena!"

The Ice Queen rolled her eyes from her hiding spot; Gilgamesh would get a fish and name it after her. Probably thought it was something cute and romantic to do. What a silly man.

"Are they happy there?"

"I think so," Gil answered honestly, walking with the girl to his front desk. "The people who work here make sure they're taken care of and have all the right food."

The little girl's misery returned, "Mama told me not to get distracted."

"It's okay, kiddo, we'll find her," Gilgamesh promised with that soft smile of his. He leaned against the counter, muttering in Korean.

The worker behind the desk nodded sharply and left into the back, surely to find the child's mother with the utmost urgency.

"Hey," Gil whispered loudly at the girl, giving her little hand a squeeze. "Do you like...candy?"

Obviously the child's eyes lit up.

"Don't tell your mom, she might get mad at me," Gil snickered. He reached behind the counter, onto the sunken surface where he clearly knew some sweets were being hidden. "But, just between you and me..."

The little girl gasped as Gil handed her a hard candy wrapped in shining plastic.

"Sh," he held up his finger, which she mirrored before they both ate their respective treats.

Thena smiled at the sight from her alcove by the elevators. She wasn't sure if she could have guessed that Gilgamesh had a way with children. But it made sense, seeing it now. He was sweet, and charming, and funny, and warm, and who wouldn't love him as soon as they met him?

The elevator doors opened and woman rushed out, running and scooping up her daughter at the sight of her. Thena's Korean wasn't nearly at a level for her to decipher what she was saying, but she could hear her thank Gilgamesh for watching her. He offered his reassurances that it was no trouble and that they were welcome back.

Thena stayed leaning close to the column, perhaps hoping he wouldn't know she'd been watching the whole time.

He sauntered over to her, hands in his pockets, that stupid - sexy - grin on his face, "Ice."

"Tyrant."

"I guess I owe you an apology for being late," he shrugged, "although you can see why I was."

Dammit. Thena tugged at her lace in a shrug of her own feigned nonchalance. "I can indeed."

"Shall we, then?" he smiled, holding out his hand for her to get on the elevator first.

Thena waited until the doors were closed and they were on their way up to his office. "Really, Gil?--a fish?"

"Come on, Princess," he chuckled beside her, sneaking glances as often as she would allow. "She is awfully pretty."

"If you compare me to a fish-"

"I'd never," he cut her off, daring to let his hand brush against hers despite the elevator camera. "I don't even compare you to the moon itself, Sweetness."

Thena sighed, resisting both urges to pull her hand away and to let him hold it. She let their fingers weave together ever so tentatively. "It was sweet--the way you helped that girl."

Gil shrugged, his hand still clasped around hers gleefully. "I guess I've been feeling soft...since becoming a married man."

Thena rolled her eyes and snatched her hand away from his, although he must not have sensed any real hostility in it, because he was laughing. She huffed, putting a little extra half-step between them in the elevator.

They were almost to his floor when he reached out and tapped the back of her hand with his. "Like it or not, Ice, I'm yours."

Thena didn't answer, only stepping out of the elevator ahead of him, if only to escape the reflection of herself smiling in the chrome doors.

[daddiest-tolkien-elf]

Daddiest Tolkien Elf: Round One!

Gil-galad versus Elrond

Gil-galad:

Called "Plot-holeion" by some.

My man probably has no idea who his father is, but he's got such daddy energy. Very good if you want some red wine and a chill evening

Elrond (hang in there, there's a lot):

I mean... have you heard about Elrond? About the daddy that raised three amazing children and adopted a human that later became the king? Oh, btw I mean book Elrond, not movie Elrond. Look, Hugo was amazing, but book!Elrond... Now that's a Daddy~ 🥰

Elrond is the daddest of the dad elves. Have a problem? Go ask Dadrond!

I mean ✨kind as summer✨ do I need more?

He literally IS a dad, super caring for Arwen, taking in Aragon as a kid. The way he is just so FED UP with everyone (in lotr at the council/in the hobbit when he has the dwarfs as guests) but still keeps on supporting them with everything he has, i mean he literally stayed back not going to valinor to see his wife to save middle earth

Probably the most Daddy elf even in the literal sense, because he has three kids but also fosters idk how many of his brother's mortal descendants. But also can hold his own in a fight and wields a Ring of Power for thousands of years. Also very good with his hands, cares about everyone like it's his job and has the respect of everyone in Middle Earth who knows what's up.

He's fatherly and would totally take care of you and love on you while also being fine af

Elrond is not only gorgeous and amazing but an actually incredible dad. all his kids actually survived and he’s just an overall sweet person.

Feel free to add more propaganda and tag me (@daddiest-tolkien-elf), so I can reblog it here! Or send asks!

[georgiapebblespowell]

DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVENT SEEN GINNY & GEORGIA SEASON 2 TIL THE END ALSO TRIGGER WARNING: MENTION OF SH.

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Honestly the way Ginny acts in the 1st 3 episodes is hella annoying I get that she has panic attacks and is going through a lot but she has no right to treat her mum the way she does. Once her & MANG get back together my opinion of her changed she still defo has major issues and can be super annoying at times. My girl Abby is everything like i freaking love her  so much shes killing it this season idk whether its the fact that she's got new hair and thats giving her confidence vibes (Don't like the fact she slept w that Press dude not just bc hes a major asshole but bc she deserves soooo much better) I honestly hope Abbie finds love in the next season bc she derserves it and omg Georgia is still a freaking amazing queen of a mother (i love the southern accent anyway but Georgia's is  freaking amazin😍😘🤣). Anyway Marcus and Gin are sooo cute but its clear hes got  some issues of his own that he needs to work through first before loving anyone else its mad but i do feel for him love him so much but other scenes that made my heart warm were:

MANG being friends again  honest to god Best friend goals for life.

Also the fact that Zion and Paul had their bonding session was hilarious (mainly bc Joe was working at the time and his facial expressions were soo funny🤣🤣🤣) Anyway The very last scene that touched my heart a hell of a lot was Georgia and Ginnys talk about Ginny selfharming I realise that although i was ranting about Ginny in the beginning she has grown a whole lot im glad she sorted things w her mum tho its been nice to see that after episode 3 (off and on bc lets be real here she's still a teenage girl).

Lets not forget Austin my sweet boy man he's now tramautised and will never be the same after shooting his Dad

The fact that Georgia got carted off by the police on her wedding day tho😮😮

Honestly i really hope she finds a way outta this one cause as much as i love Paul (way he stood up for her with Gil after learning all that stuff was hella adorable😍💜) but just bc Austin & Ginny love her and bc she belongs w Paul & Zion and the kids.

I really Reccomend this show if you like drama and Comedy and female empowerment.

[satsuha]

hi!! correct me if i’m wrong but you played octopath traveller 2 in japanese, right? if so then you might be able to clear up some confusion for me and if i am mistaken then i at least wanna hear your opinion. i’m a fellow hikari/temenos (hikanos? temehika? whatever people call it) shipper!! i love their dynamic. just putting that out there so you know where i’m coming from.

i don’t really like the hikari/agnea ship. i just don’t like the idea of pushing them as a romantic couple just because they have a shared story (which barely even supported them being a thing in the first place imo) and i find the idea of them being supportive friends so much more sweet.

you know that travel banter in agnea’s chapter 2, the one where hikari calls her dances hot? everyone seems to interpret that as romantic and it’s constantly written as a scene that pushes their relationship in that direction. i just don’t get it? because to me that scene felt like a very obvious demonstration of “hikari is awkward socially and he’s just copying what someone else said because he can tell it’s a nice compliment when coming from that person and wants to imitate it”. i don’t know if it’s just the fact that i’m aromantic and autistic so i prefer to put neurodivergent meanings to these things but that was so clearly what it was to me. and then everyone made it romantic? idk i just hate that, i feel like it takes so much away from both of their characters to force a relationship from that.

i’m wondering if it’s a translation thing. does it read as a more romantic interaction in japanese? if so then i’m far more willing to accept it. but if not then i’m just so confused about this and i wish people would talk more about hikari being a neurodivergent icon (also hikari/temenos is sooo underappreciated it makes me so sad so maybe i’m just biased idk)

sorry this was super long i hope you’re okay with me rambling like this!! if not feel free to ignore it

hi thanks for the ask! and i'm happy to see a fellow temehika enjoyer 🥺

i need to preface this with the fact that i don't have a japanese education, and though i have picked up on things on social media and such, i could definitely still get things wrong! with that being said, here's my take on it under the cut:

anyway yes! i played octopath2 with japanese voice, and am now replaying it in korean text (has a vocabulary and is grammatically similar to japanese, and a language i can actually understand)! i also cross-check a lot of stuff with the original japanese text, so i did that for the banter you're mentioning just to make sure.

funnily enough, the japanese actually pushes it in the opposite direction... gil uses the english word "hot" in his speech, hence hikari's (and agnea's, initially) confusion at it since it isn't a word that exists in the japanese language. and as far as i can find, "hot" (the english loanword) doesn't have the same connotations as english of being "sexy". the sources i can find online list "new, trendy", "spicy or hot (food/drink)" and "intense" as definitions, but i can't find anything that matches the common english interpretation.

in gil's case, i would say he's either going for the "intense" or "popular, trendy" definition, and given that he treats agnea like a kid (literally calling her "kid" in english and "嬢ちゃん" in japanese, something like "little lady"), i don't think his intent was romantically or sexually charged when he used the word to refer to her.

(sources: weblio and goo)

now, you've probably seen that i'm biased against this ship as well so there's that to keep in mind but... yeah, in my opinion this was absolutely not supposed to be a romantic thing, and while i can't fully speak on the localization's decision to just keep the word "hot" as is, it bothers me that they either failed to realize or were trying to push the added connotation in english.

at the same time, i know a lot of english fans tend to not care about the original text at all and the localization is meant to work as a replacement for it if you don't know the original language, so i can't completely fault people for taking it that way... unfortunately i am a nitpicker and also a translation nerd and in this case i blame the english version for having that added nuance which did not help!

also i complained about this enough elsewhere but none of their later banters have any kind of interesting topic that tells you more about either of the characters so i don't even think this one works as a turning point for their relationship ...

but yeah anyway again, thanks for the ask! i don't always feel very comfy with analyzing japanese since i don't actually speak it, but unfortunately there isn't anyone else doing this kind of comparison so... i'm always happy to answer and look into it if anyone is curious about anything!!

[hellcatinnc]

Piofiore Fated Memories Gilbert Redford Review

Includes Spoilers

Ok so it has been long overdue I have wanted to play Gilberts route from the very start actually he is the reason I bought the game. Not only does the whole eye patch thing remind me of a pirate which is so hot to me but also the fact that the same voice actor of my beloved Impey Barbicane from Code Realize: Showtaro Morikubo. I love this man's voice and how he talks something about him is comforting. Then when I got the game I was upset I had to play everyone before unlocking him. Now don't get me wrong I am glad I got both Dante & Nicola's routes though or I would love my sweet Dante so much if not. However I still wanted to see how Gil was. So in Orlok's route he is kind of a dick but outside of that in all the routes for the most part that I have seen Gilbert he is actually a decent guy.

Now going into his route which weirdly enough starts off super early right after the prologue not delayed several chapters like all the ones before. Also the moment you meet Gil is after he pays off some dudes to leave you and this feisty little homeless kid alone. Like you can tell not only does he love people of the city but he even loves kids as well as of course women. He is very chivalrous as well as very charismatic. Everyone loves him and you see it with the way people address him when he walks through town. Its not even unheard of for people to flirt with him and him flirt back yet somehow he does it in away that I don't doesn't spark a jealousy way. Like if I was in the situation I think it might be a bit different but like he doesn't flirt with just anyone its people he knows and like alot are older women and he will talk about how they are sure to win any man over etc. The point being is he is a sweet talker.

When Liliana has to stay with him to be protected he jumps right into telling Oliver he is gonna take her on a date the next day and then he tells people through town she is his girlfriend and that its fate they met. Its funny because the moment he gets a chance he apologizes for it which is funny cause you might think he is kind of a ladies man since he even tells you in the beginning however his gentleman side of him says other wise. Like he even tells you that you don't have to be his girlfriend but it might be a easier way to keep her protected. Then this man who isn't even love with her yet takes her on a shopping spree buying her pretty accessories and pretty clothing that he chooses out as well as some she does. He takes her for a walk near the beach and gets gelato for them. Then out of nowhere he says he wants to taste hers and takes a bit of hers. It was so intimate and sweet and it did what it was supposed to. It left her heart fluttering and her mesmerized by his lips so close to hers. Like Gil is the kind of guy that will pull you in without trying.

I feel like he has a gentleman meets prince charming with a bit of roughness to him that is how he comes off to me. He also takes you on another date and tells you that you should wear one he picked you out. Its funny cause he is respectful and apologizes and takes your hand and asks things about some stuff others his dominance shines through and its so damn hot. Like even how he pays attention to the wording when he says things is enough to make you melt. Gil is the kind of guy who could leave you turned on even when you weren't expecting to be. He is super protective and honestly its not hard to feel safe with him its just how he makes you feel. Its funny cause at the beginning of your route Henri asks you on a date and he is so sweet and timid its such a big difference in how Gil is. I love that Gil is sweet and sometimes a bit over the top he reminds me alot of Ikki in Amnesia at times. However I know my weakness is the guys like Dante and from what looks like might be Henri. I would say Gil is very flirty but unlike Nicola the gentleman side with suave to go with it and you can tell he is a more mature man makes him so well rounded. He is the guy that will open doors for a woman or pull her chair out thats for sure.

I was surprised when I heard Gilbert say he was born in America who knows maybe thats why he is more outspoken and charismatic I don't know guess that explains why he doesn't have an Italian name even though he is Italian. He has a strong sense of justice which I so respect about him like he may be the head of the mafia but if sees someone being bullied or hurt he will knock the hell out of them. He doesn't believe in hitting women or children which I can completely respect and say its another thing I love about him. He is such a protector and as time went on I loved Gil more. There is one point where a man tries to grab Liliana and won't take no for a answer and Gil steps in pulling her to him and putting this man straight with a cold stare and lines any woman would want to hear. I think this was the moment his personality of being too much for me with his charm changed. I realized not only is Gil a good guy but he is a good guy with Liliana as well as stands up for women and children.

When he gets excited over something he loves he is plain adorable. Like he gets some new guns from America and he sounded like a kid on Christmas morning. I love how mature this man is though like even when he realizes he is in love with Liliana he doesn't make it about him, he struggles but he waits until she comes to him. Then he tells her how he feels and how he has felt. He has such a big heart when Luca was sick and they thought dying it hurt him and thats what makes Gil like the best daddy material for sure out of all the other men in the game. I love his suaveness in telling Lili after everything goes down he wants to show her in the bedroom how much he really loves her cause just a kiss isn't enough he said. Ha that was a awesome way to get into someone's pants I swear leave it to Gil...lol.

In the end I really enjoyed Gil himself maybe not as much the route though I felt like his story was dragging and stale so to say. Like it took me several times to come back to finish his story because sometimes he was too charismatic for me but also cause the story about counterfeit money just dragged on. Wasn't even interesting at all until chapter 6. I will say with this route again Nicola dies you don't see it happen and although behind closed doors Dante is losing it he holds his ground to Gil and promises to help him even though Gil being the kind a guy he is tells him if he needs to bow out he understands. This is something I like about Gil he knows the people that he loyal to he would do anything for so he understands Dante more from that perspective than most. Although not gonna say they are best friends but I truly thing Gil respects him as Dante does Gil. Another thing I wasn't expecting is Leo for the first time you see him more aggressive and standing up for the family and Gil in the observers that are working for a boss to frame Gil. Not gonna lie the aggressiveness is kinda hot on him.

I didn't like the whole confrontation with the direttore especially when Gil was so caught up with catching him that he left Lili behind in the burning building which comes back to my sweet Dante being the one that actually saved her. However I love that Lili had no problem calling him out on leaving her later and told him she was mad at him. Thought it was funny that Gil does get jealous but he tells Luca that Lili is his girl and Luca laughs it off too damn funny. At the last part you see how dark the direttore is and how he hates this town its so surprising that this man is Henri like literally sweet Henri you start off meeting him. Gil is old fashioned and although I would have loved to see him propose I think thats the different between him and Dante for me.

Dante hides his emotion cause he was told to but when he falls for someone thats it she is his everything and he would burn the world to be there and prove it. So at the end of his route when he proposes it felt right. With Gil his old fashioned ways he tells her he likes her and she says the same and he tells her he doesn't want to push her since she is just figured her feelings out. She even moved back to the church after which dumbfounded me. Worst part is this is how the best ending ended. It was nice how they tried to say all the mafia families could coexist and get along. After everything ended was awhile before Gil had time to go see her at the church which is why I thought it stupid for her to go back. Then after all this time he puts her in a fancy dress and you think its gonna be a romantic date instead he takes her to a hotel and tells her he just wanted to take off that dress because he loved it on her.

I mean he did end up asking her to live with him in the process of getting ready to make love to her. I don't know this left a bad taste in my mouth I honestly thought he was more of a gentleman I mean guess I always knew with the flirtiness but even Nicola didn't jump right away to that when everything was over. I don't know I would say as of right not to me its still Dante, Nicola, then Gil but thats only cause I dislike Yang and Orlok. I guess after the whole route him being like a prince charming I thought he would propose or something romantic not just here's a dress I want to take off you then lets fuck it burnt my ass.

In the good route they let Dante believe that Nicola was still alive and he was hunting to find him. The direttore gets away on this route and not caught. But Gil willing to help him look was honorable. The good ending is Gil wants to go back to America where he is from and take her with him but it will be later future after he helps Dante. Kinda lame ending and Luca gave her a bouquet a flowers but Gil didn't least he was more of a gentleman in this route and didn't jump right to the bedroom.

One of the bad routes I swear to god Oliver is hitting on Lili after Gil and her confessed to liking each other. Then a bad ending he forced himself on her granted she decided to give in but technically he was drunk and he still pushed himself on her thats called rape. This I did not expect from Gil its funny seems all the guys and least most the guys in a bad route rape her. I'm jsut glad they don't go heavy into it cause I hate seeing that shit. He was also guilty in court as well as police beat the hell out of him. This is the only route I ever saw Orlok die that was one thing that amazed me but only on a bad route. Also he breaks up with her goes on the run and breaks her heart. His bad routes were something else thats for sure. It bout broke me when he told her he wanted her but couldn't be with her because he had lost everyone, its weird its easy to forget him pushing himself on her for a moment cause his pain but maybe that was his karma in that route.

Overall Gilbert isn't horrible and I really hope he is better in 1926 but he just wasn't as great as I thought. I bought the game for him yet fell in love with Dante instead go figure lol.

[fivekrystalpetals]

Not having your live reading of Pandora Hearts will be sad ! I loved seing your analysis, I'm happy you enjoyed it :3

Awwww thank you so much ❤!! yes it’s gonna be so sad for me too to not have my weekly live screaming sessions,, nooo this masterpiece of a story got over ;_; as they say, every good thing has to come to an end (nooooo~) so we gotta enjoy it till it lasts ;_; [I want to reread it again, but not anytime now... I need time to recover, sadly it seems I am getting increasingly upset and frustrated seeing A Certain Someone’s logic and arguments so I need some time to get over it and read again with a clearer mind; lol I generally don't get this upset over a fictional character but this guy’s character resonate a lot with someone ik ig that’s why I associate one with the other in my mind idk]

Break continues to be my favorite character which is honestly a surprise bc I tend to change my favorite midway through the series (I am not faithful shhh); Lottie and Lacie come a close second (well-written female characters tho they had not enough screen time (at least not for me, I wanted to see more of them!), they have lots of gaps and flaws I can develop on in my mind and in my fics if I ever post anything) 

The two Alices, Oz and Gil: they are my babies now I adopted them, already signed adoption papers and all 💪 (once again, a surprise bc I hardly ever care about the main characters but these four are just... made-to-be-loved how dare anyone hurt them?!?!? *looking at a Certain Someone 🔪🔪* I just wish we saw more of Alyss and her thoughts, likes, dislikes etc. before the end. Since Cheshire loved her but was dead scared of our Alice, Alyss must have craved for meat less lol) 

Fun fact: my favorite arc in Pandora Hearts still remains *drumroll* Headhunter Arc my beloved <3 

not only was it mochijun’s super self-indulgent glamorous-makeover-for-all-my-characters arc but also has some of the best cliffhangers, plot twists and lore—humpty-dumpty (this chain damn!), Fianna’s house and their eerie ritual of making contractors out of little homeless kids, the doings of Isla Yura, his cult of Jack worshippers and the Nightrays (except Elliot ofc) all gave me chills and thrills, kept me to the edge of the seat,, say, if you see, I have less live drafts for that arc, it’s because... I was so invested in the story I couldn't even bother to pause and log on to tumblr; I just had to get to the end. It was like a standalone, little whodunit+thriller story arc with Eliot as the detective/protagonist set out to investigate his family’s curse ;_; and then the final reveal of the actual criminal (Retrace 61) 😭 (something I had guessed at in the beginning from Lottie’s words but the rat is just that good at distracting us from the truth =_=)

The rest of the story is, well, do I need to explain aghfhshfg why is this story so compact and coherent and filled with so much foreshadowing right from the first panel of the Retrace 1 that it still gives me goosebumps (I was actually talking about Retrace 76/77 with my friend (no, not specifying names or giving out spoilers, she hasn’t read PH yet and I am slowly luring her in with a carrot into this rabbit hole)—kinda like: See? I think I have uncovered a huge conspiracy theory— you know the suspected immortals in our world? I think they never die but go full Benjamin Button mode back and forth! She is super interested to know more and I am waiting to cast The Question: *conspiratorial tone* Do you wanna read something with a plot like that?)

ahhhh lol I was rambling but thank you so much for sticking around with me til the end, reading my analysis and posts (most of them were my incoherent screams fgsghghsj) and for this ask! It was so sweet of you <3 <3 And although I ran out of my live drafts, I do plan on writing a lot on the other characters too (in fact, I have three posts—character analysis of sorts—about Oswald, Gil, Vince and the Baskervilles in general—in my drafts and then, a few others in plans.) I will also be screaming (and probs writing fics bc what else to do when a ship takes its roots inside your head) about my favorite ship ahem ahem, which no one but me likes 😭😭, so that too.

So no worries, PH brainrot is going strong! my reactions on tumblr is actually minimal,, only about 10% of how much of a nuisance I was with people here irl at Certain Points in the story lmaohgjsgj

[mariacallous]

Chopped liver is gross. Like, gefilte fish level gross. It’s not just the fact that it resembles cat food, but knowing that its origins have been traced to 11th-century Alsace-Lorraine where it began being made from the livers and fat of force-fed geese is enough for me to push the plate away. 

So, the idea of mock chopped liver is really a welcome culinary evolution for me, even if the idea of creating a liver-like schmear is equally weird. 

The name “mock chopped liver” comes from its resemblance in appearance and texture to the traditional liver-based pâté. However, the main ingredient in mock chopped liver is not actual liver but rather a combination of cooked or roasted vegetables, onions, hard-boiled eggs and walnuts.

During the mid-20th century, “mock liver” became a prominent item on the menus of New York City’s numerous “dairy restaurants,” which served as the meat-free counterparts to traditional delicatessens. Those keeping kosher could now enjoy a chopped liver-esque spread alongside an egg cream without having to make a choice between the two. 

Mock chopped liver has become super popular over the years as more and more folks hop on the plant-based train or look for meatless alternatives. People dig it for a bunch of reasons, like caring for their health, the environment or sticking to ethical beliefs. It’s also a win-win for those with dietary restrictions or allergies to animal products.

Chef Cara Tannenbaum remembers indulging in real chopped liver when she was a kid on Long Island. As the years passed, the Tannenbaum family adopted a health-conscious approach to eating, prompting them to revamp their traditional schmaltz-filled chopped liver recipe. They embraced a vegetarian version, brimming with the delightful flavors of caramelized onions, mushrooms, peas and walnuts, creating a savory and wholesome alternative.

While the basic concept remains the same – using vegetables and nuts as a substitute for liver – the specific ingredients and cooking methods can differ based on regional preferences and individual tastes.

In Arthur Schwartz’s “Jewish Home Cooking: Yiddish Recipes Revisited,” he writes that onions are a defining flavor, in the sense that some dishes rely so heavily on onions that they wouldn’t taste Jewish without them. 

“Chopped liver immediately comes to mind. In fact, I’d say mock chopped liver, the vegetarian version, relies mainly on fried onions to resemble the real thing.” 

Gil Marks, another culinary expert, considers mushrooms to be another essential ingredient in creating this savory spread.

In the old school North American versions of vegetarian chopped liver, the typical ingredients included canned green peas or string beans, which were mashed together with fried onions and mushrooms (and occasionally eggplant) to create a creamy, taupe-colored spread. 

“Some recipes included walnuts, hard-boiled eggs, or crushed crackers for heft. As far as photogenic dishes go, it wasn’t exactly a looker. But it was, and continues to be, deeply desirable,” writes Leah Koenig in Bon Appetit.

In more contemporary iterations of vegetarian chopped liver, cooks often opt for fresher ingredients while staying true to the traditional layering approach. This clever technique allows them to replicate the unctuous texture and delectable savory-sweet flavor that made the original dish so beloved.

In Aly Miller’s Nosher recipe for vegan chopped liver, she incorporates mushrooms and miso for a rich “faux gras.” While Nino Shaye Weiss, a food blogger in Vienna, incorporates caramelized onion and shots of Slivovitz to his as a nod to its Central European roots.

In Israel, vegetarian chopped liver is usually made with roast eggplant or summer squash, (particularly zucchini), hard-boiled eggs and carmelized onions. It is arguably more popular and available than regular chopped liver countrywide. 

From its modest beginnings as a practical adaptation in Europe to its current global appeal, this vegetarian delight has become a timeless treasure in the world of Jewish cuisine. As we savor its savory legacy and modern adaptations, we celebrate mock chopped liver’s ability to honor tradition while embracing new flavors and culinary adventures.

[pimpyourworld]

Bubble Guppies Edible Cake Toppers

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What is the image cake topper?

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[scummy-writes]

[CHAPTER 23]

Bites my fist. Theres a letter with this chapter.

-> starts off with flashback type story about bloodstained rose day.

Jesus.

Gilbert gets there and is mad. Talks to himself about how he could have done this much more 'neatly' for 'him'. Stomps on a soilder, hes pissed . The soilders with him are pale and sick. Women, children, and elderly are mixed in with bodies of soilders in the village.

What a fuckin story to have after present day gil just helped two kids.

They ref a boy in this that lost a sister, im assuming its luke. I didnt realize that it was due to 'brutal amusement' from soilders, i just thought. Hm. I thought that due to fires and maybe some old type of explosive, that they were a random uncaring casualty and not an intentional one by specific soilders.

-> roderic was with him that day

-> gilbert tells soilders to take the two that killed lukes sister and never to let them see the sun again.

-> gilbert orders for luke to be taken back since hes still breathing. Decides he wants to see the emperor. Apparently the emperor wanted to use Hope as a supply place during the war.

-> gilbert sees bodies near him, faces of terror. He ends up closing their eyes, mad about the messy bloodshed. This was the final straw for him, says the surpreme leader is going to lead to their downfall, and he cant accept that as he has his own plans.

-> tells roderic that "if i havent appeared at the rendezvous point by nightfall, then thats the time... and the rest is up to you."

-> back to present day.

-> pouts because she was zoned out and he got super close to her, and when she comes back ahe startles and pulls back. Says theyre on a date so its normal to be that close.

-> tells her that he thought he told her that she needs to try harder if shes going to lie to him (about what she zoned out about)

-> tucks cane under her chin, makes her look, she asks if hed kill anyone and he just smiles.

Henrgg

-> obsidianites are just as cherry as folks in Rhodolite

-> weirdly the "only lovers do that" in regards to closeness is the +4/+4??

-> kissed her because she zoned out. She focuses on how she didnt realize he's so into kissing.

-> wonders about how shes never seen a woman near gilbert, aside from the women soilders.

-> she uh. Does not understand there hasnt been another woman because he loves her so much, huh.

-> buys several baked sweets with dried fruit in them. Curious on if thats how a lot of sweets are, dried froots.

-> feeds her sweets, said they smelled good, but wont eat any himself because he's full. Mc realizes this is another sign that hes close to dying very soon.

Says its reckless for her to want him to keep living even though she doesnt know what evil he has planned.

-> date goal was to find a gem that suits her, so he can shape it for her and have it be something she can keep with her forever. He wanted to leave something fun behind in this final days.

[Punches wall punches wall punches wall]

-> luuuuke do we finally get the luke is an awful fucking spy reveal.

-> gilbert explains it was a coincidence that he managed to rescue a kid who was actually a hidden prince. She doubts it, feels bad after she realizes how he is with kids now, and knows it had to be a coincidence........

-> they point blank talk about their plans to use guns to start a civil war badically, in front of her. Gilberts being blunt by showing her what his plan is, so she can uhhh hate him and let him die. Yup. After taking her on a date and spoiling her a bit.

Realistically. He probably wanted one last semi-normal date before he dived into this stuff so she would accept hom dying.

-> gave guns without bullets to several countries

-> tells her final judgement is seeing if she can repair the two countries by her ideals.

-> tells her she could save Rhodolite if she kills him here and now.

Thats where the chapter ends, what a fucking cunt.

The letter states the obsidian town they went to is actually a city that is bigger than the small town she is from

Im going to beat him to death after reading this letter.

DRAMATIC END - GILBERT ROUTE SPOILERS POST

Like the other notes (here), I am continuing my thoughts/notes on Gilbert's route. This post will focus on the dramatic end + premiums. His povs will be a separate post.

I'll be reblogging this post each chapter or so with personal thoughts and general screaming under a cut. I'll be having it in a format with the chapter numbered, and then a cut directly after where I'll be yelling. I already know some major spoilers with gilberts route, so if you have not finished his route yet, be wary.

I'll be using the tags 'Scum Simps' and 'scum plays gil route' for those of you who want to filter it out. Thank u!

[fairyprince7]

can you tell me more about Monster High's characters? i can't seem to find much information on them, and i'm very curious.

OK SO

keep in mind these are all coming from someone who hasn't watched the webisodes since 2015, has not watched any of the movies, and only has recent knowledge from the 2016 reboot media. It should be ok though ^^

Frankie Stein: Her dad is Frankenstein (I can't actually remember if its the scientist or the monster) and was created just before the start of the series. She's very young in terms of that and is a little naïve and innocent. She wants everyone to get along and also is fairly boy crazy 😅. In the 2016 reboot she's the smart science lover and is often inventing stuff.

Draculaura: Her dad is Dracula. She's a vegan vampire and iirc she can only transform into a bat in the 2016 reboot. She's a sweetheart who loves parties and dressing really cute. She was dating Clawdeen's brother Clawd in the 2010-2015 series.

Clawdeen Wolf: She's a werewolf and can transform into a wolf at will in the 2016 reboot. She loves fashion design and is sort of the no-nonsense ghoul in her group who doesn't like people disrespecting her friends. She has two older siblings, Clawd and Clawdia, and a younger sister Howleen.

Lagoona Blue: My favourite character when I was a kid! She's a saltwater sea monster from Australia who is super athletic and is part of the school's swim team. She's really kind and friendly and is always looking out for her friends. In the 2010-2015 series she was dating Gil Webber who is a freshwater sea monster, which caused trouble due to Gil's parents hating saltwater sea monsters.

Cleo De Nile: Absolute queen, I love her sm. Her dad is a mummy and Egyptian royalty which means she's a literal princess. As a result she's kinda sorta arrogant and expects an absurd amount of respect from others and loves receiving expensive gifts. She used to be extremely rude to others but over time has softened up and made friends with the main ghouls. In the 2010-2015 series she was dating Deuce (my favourite MH couple 😌).

Ghoulia Yelps: Another fave! She's a zombie so she can't talk and can only communicate with moans. Despite her looks she's often referred to as the smartest monster in the school and loves things like science and math. She also really loves comic books and video games and often daydreams that she's her favourite superhero Ms Dead Fast.

Deuce Gorgon: His mother is Medusa, and while he has the same turning-people-into-stone powers, his only seem to last for a few hours. He wears sunglasses all the time to prevent it from happening. He's a dudebro who's also has a skater punk aesthetic and is on the basket casketball team. He's also really sweet and loyal to his girlfriend Cleo which is 🥺.

Jackson Jekyll: The 'normie' side of MH's resident jekyll-hyde, and only character who's seen as a full 'normie'. He was bullied about it when he first started at Monster High, until people discovered that he transforms into Holt Hyde when exposed to a very specific type of music. He's a geek who is also really good at school and is also really socially awkward and often interpreted as being depressed. He inherited the jekyll-hyde stuff from his mother while his father is a fire elemental.

Holt Hyde: The 'monster' side of MH's resident jekyll-hyde, and a complete opposite of Jackson. He loves parties, loud music and is a DJ. He's also a troublemaker who breaks a lot of rules and has a short temper. The fire elemental inheritance is a lot more noticeable when in this form due to his hair literally becoming flames and melting things when angry.

[foryouthem00n]

“Forever.”

A/N: Inspired by the song Biblical by Calum Scott. Just give the song a listen, the entire thing applies to Nick here, not just the lyrics listed below :)

-

I slip and wonder who I'd be

If I never found you and you never found me

Well, I don't wanna see

So won't you give me tonight

And the rest of your life

I wanna have it all with you

I wanna have it all with you

And when you open your eyes

I'll be there by your side

I wanna have it all with you

-

Your three year anniversary with Nick was coming up in a few days. You wanted to do something special with him, but he’s been swamped with work and expressed to you that he didn’t know if he’d be able to do anything for the occasion. It stung a little, but you knew that Nick doesn’t have a choice and that sometimes it just happens.

When the day of your anniversary came and gone, you had spent it all alone. That night, you were by yourself, watching trashy reality television and eating takeout in your pajamas. Nick wasn’t supposed to be home until super late, so when he came home around 8 pm, you were totally surprised.

“What are you doing home early?” You asked him as he greeted you with a kiss on the cheek.

“I want to take you somewhere.” Nick replied.

“Take me where? I’m in my pajamas.” You pointed out.

“It’s okay, just put on your coat and come with me.”

“Nick, you’re making me nervous. What are you up to?” You raised your eyebrows at him.

“Nothing, I swear! Now can you please come with me?”

You rolled your eyes as you got up off of the couch to put on shoes and a coat that was long enough to hide the fact that you were in your pajamas.

Nick took your hand and walked you outside to the car. He drove, but no matter how many times you asked, he wouldn’t tell you where he was taking you.

When the car finally stopped, you were at the park by the river. You and Nick had taken Gil and Zara here too many times to count, and have had a few walks with just the two of you every once in a while. It’s peaceful, but not when it’s pitch black and thirty degrees outside.

Nick opened the car door for you, taking your hand and walking with you.

“Are you going to tell me what’s going on now, Nick?”

Nick stopped in the middle of the walkway near the water, facing you and taking both of your hands in his.

“It’s our three year anniversary. I wasn’t even supposed to see you today, since work has been so crazy. I felt horrible leaving you all alone until tomorrow morning when I should be with you doing something for the occasion, so I left the precinct as soon as I was able to. Do you know why I brought you here?”

“Because you want us to freeze to death?” You joked.

Nick laughed. “No, but good guess. Y/N, this is where we first met. Right in this spot.”

You felt so stupid for not realizing why Nick brought you to the park for your anniversary. You smiled to yourself as you replayed the memory in your head.

The day that you met Nick, you were on your morning walk, and all of a sudden a little girl was running towards you and ran straight into you. Then, a slightly older boy came running, and then, finally, a tall, dark haired man. He scolded the little girl for not watching where she was going, and apologized to you for his daughter running into you. You told him that it was no problem and to enjoy the day with his kids. He told you that maybe he’d see you around sometime and then smiled before walking away with the kids.

You hugged Nick in response. “This is so sweet of you. I don’t know what I was thinking, not putting two and two together. Thank you, baby. This brings back so many memories.”

“I’m so glad that Zara ran into you that day.” He chuckled.

“Me too.” You smiled.

There was a peaceful silence for a few minutes as you and Nick rested on the railing by the water, looking out at the river.

Nick broke the silence. “You know, Y/N, I didn’t just bring you here to make up for not being around on our anniversary.”

“Oh yeah?” You asked.

“Yeah. I wanted to talk to you about something.” Nick sounded serious now.

“What do you want to talk about?”

“We’ve been through a lot, you and me. You came into my life at a really difficult time, but you were exactly what I needed. You’ve accepted me, my kids, my situation, and everything else about me, and you’ve been there for me no matter what. You’ve helped me through a lot of things that not a lot of people would. I just… I’ve never felt a love like this, and I don’t want that to go away.”

Nick took a deep breath before getting down on one knee, reaching into his pocket, pulling out a little box and opening it. “That’s why I would like to know if you’d do me the honor of being my wife.”

You were speechless, tears forming in your eyes. Nick proposing was the last thing that you were expecting to happen when he said that he wanted to take you somewhere.

“Yes, a thousand times yes!” You grinned as you wrapped your arms around Nick.

He picked you up and spun you around before putting you back down, cupping your face in his cold hands and kissing you deeply.

When Nick released from the kiss, he got the ring out of the box and slid it onto your finger. You admired the way it looked on your hand.

“It’s so beautiful. Thank you, love.” You smiled.

Nick stared at you, smiling back. He was so unbelievably happy in this moment.

“Baby, as much as I’d love to stand here and stare at your gorgeous face, can we go home? I’m freezing.” You laughed.

Nick playfully shook his head at you, holding out his hand. “Come on, let’s go home.”

You held Nick’s hand as you walked to the car, and as you drove back to the apartment. You shrugged your coat off and kicked your shoes off once you got inside, and Nick did the same. You made your way to the bedroom to get under all of your blankets to warm up.

Nick followed you to the bedroom, stripping of his work clothes, leaving him in just his boxers. He slid into bed beside you, wrapping his arms around your torso and nuzzling into your neck.

You hum in pleasure. “Mmm, you’re warm.”

Nick didn’t respond, just kissed down your neck lovingly.

“I wish that we could stay here forever.” You sighed.

“We may not be able to stay here forever, but we can spend forever together, my fiancée.”

“Sounds perfect, my fiancé. I can’t wait to spend forever with you.” You smiled.

You and Nick spent the rest of the night in bed, under the covers, cuddling and being close to each other. You were so extremely happy to have spent three years with Nick, and to be engaged to him and spend the rest of forever with him. Even then, forever still isn’t enough time with Nick Amaro.

[katzkinder]

Valentine's Day Headcanons!

A day early bc I'll be busy the day of |D If some of these look familiar to you, congrats! You found my Twitter!

Mahiru sets up a chocolate making class at the request of his female classmates one year, and they repay the favor on the fourteenth. The truth is, their “Thank you” choco is actually honmei meant for him. In past years, they were too shy to give him what they thought was "subpar" chocolate, because, well, who wants to give a guy they like something worse than what he can make himself? Unfortunately, Mahiru is rather dense and didn't notice. He really thought they were just trying to show him how much they improved!

When Mikuni was younger his desk and shoe locker were always full of Valentine’s (despite attending an all boys school, he was still a Prince ww). Instead of eating them, he’d bring them right home to share with his baby brother, the only owner of his heart. Misono always got the pick of the lot, and Lily always felt a little bad for the people trying to give Mikuni a token of their affections.

One of Licht's sponsors gifted him ruby chocolate once, and as it turns out, both he AND lawless like the stuff. It’s got a natural pink-red color and a fruity flavor to it that ends on a tart note. It really is super tasty, and even people who aren't necessarily a fan of sweets might enjoy it for the novelty alone. It really does taste like there's fruit in it, despite there being no fruit at all.

Lily receives lot of treats on Valentine’s Day from the maids. Most of them are children he saved, including Yamane! Even if White Day is the main affair when it comes to showing how much they love him, his children, both grown and not, don’t ever forget about their Lily. After all, Valentine's Day is about showing you care!

Ildio is the type where if the chocolate is too cute, he can’t eat it. Kitty donuts? Adorable puppy cookies? Tiny piggy shaped chocolates? He physically cannot do it. Instead it just sits and goes bad until he's forced to throw it out...

Shuuhei isn’t very popular, so all he gets from work is obligation chocolate… He doesn’t really mind though. The yearly slightly burnt chocolate he receives from his little sister and his childhood friend are enough to make him happy. ... And give him a stomach ache. He thought he might need those stomach meds today...

For Tsurugi, the perfect gift is a dark chocolate truffle with strawberry cream filling. Not only is it something he likes, it’s something he can share with Touma, too.

Of course Freya won’t leave her boys out of the Valentine's Day festivities, and to show her appreciation for her subclass, Gil and Ray receive a delicious Chocolate Apple Crumble each. It’s sweet, it’s chocolatey, and it’s made with love. Gil's gets a little more extra attention since his birthday is so close to Valentine's Day, but that's because... Ray and Iduna help to make it! Somehow, this year, it doesn't look as nice...? Rip to Iduna, baking is not her strong suit. Thankfully, Freya is there to help her be a little more patient.

Every year, Nicco gives his sister a bouquet of beautiful deep pink roses and looks after his niblings so that she and her husband can go out and enjoy themselves. A trip to the kid’s favorite gelateria is eminent, where they'll be spoiled, just a little, just a teensy tiny bit, by their ever doting zio. There's something about a man who's good with kids that drives the local girls nuts, or maybe it's because it's specifically the Don of Carpediem that they sigh so wistfully?

And finally, the Valentine's Day after the vampire war ends is a very special one for Misono. Not only is it the first time he gets to have a birthday party with friends, it’s also the first time since he was 8 that he gets to receive a present from Mikuni in person. Happy Birthday Misono, and a happy early Valentine's to all of you! <3

[oldtvserieslover]

It’s beautiful! I love you thank you so much 🤩❤️

Well I saw the post from @eternalowl and I challenge you to do a Modern Thenamesh AU with Gil being the mall Santa!

I specifically ask you because I really love all of your works and your tags :D thank you for everything ❤️

"Okay, kids, Santa has to take a short break," Sersi offered a gentle smile as she closed the gates to the area. There were a few whines and a few glares from parents, but she waved. "I know you all understand how hard he's working. He'll be back in half an hour!"

Gil let out a gasping breath as soon as he was inside the little shed that was decorated for him to change inside. Really, all he had to do was pull off the hot-ass Santa pants and coat from over his t-shirt and jeans. And tear off the uncomfortable beard.

"Just one more shift for the day," Sersi promised as she also pulled off her elf ears once away from prying eyes.

"I can't wait until this stall closes," Gil sighed deeply as he aired out his shirt.

"You volunteered," Sersi laughed, although, so had she, and she also couldn't wait until they were off-duty. "And look at all the kids you're making happy with this."

"Yeah, you're right," he sighed as he pulled on his light bomber jacket. "Coast clear?"

Sersi peeked out to make sure no families were loitering around, or at least checking to make sure that those who were wouldn't be pointing out that Santa went into his 'workshop' and some dude was coming out. "We're clear."

Gil stretched as soon as they were out of the cramped little tool shed. "I'm starving."

"I'm sure Thena's already on her way," Sersi laughed to herself, although Gil looked as excited as the kids who had waited in line for them all morning.

"It sure was sweet of her to suggest making cookies while we're working," Gil mused as he took a seat behind the photoshoot area on a normal mall bench.

Yes, it was very sweet, and they hadn't had much choice in the matter. Since Gil had volunteered to cover the weekend mall-Santa shifts, Thena had been there for every break they'd had.

As Makkari recounted, Thena had ordered the making of cookies for their hard working friends, but Thena was the only one with the time to actually bring them every few hours.

"Just 'cause it's you," Sersi murmured as she scrolled through her phone. "If it were anyone else, she wouldn't have cared."

"That's not true," Gil easily waved off in Thena's defense.

It was true, though. She had wished Sersi luck, of course, dealing with all those kids even though her winter break as a teacher was also in effect. But hearing that Gil had volunteered as well?--that had made the blonde spring into action.

Thena hated the mall--too many people, too little space between her and them. And yet...

"Gil!"

"Thena!" he practically jumped to his feet as he saw her, grinning as her blonde ponytail swung side to side with her long legged steps.

"Another round done?" she smiled as she deposited yet another bag into his hands.

"Yep," he mumbled as he tore into her care package. There were cookies, a few more substantial snacks, and a bottle of sports drink to keep his energy up. "One more round to go before we're free."

"I don't know how you're doing it," she shook her head at him, watching as he took a long gulp of his drink. "Are you sure a half hour break for every four is enough?"

"It was one for every three, leading up to today," Sersi smiled in sympathy as Gil started wolfing down his food. She nodded her gratitude as Thena presented her with a bundle of cookies as well. Although, Sersi couldn't help but notice that hers both had fewer in it, and didn't have a ribbon around it. "But today's the last day for it. Then he's off a few hours before the mall closes."

"Don't you get enough of them at your real job?" Thena snarked lightly at Sersi as Gil went to dispose of his litter.

Sersi grinned at Thena, "don't you have better things to do than schedule your whole day around when Gil goes on break?"

Thena crossed her arms at her, "I live one block away--it's not like it's any trouble."

Sersi wasn't intimidated by the Goddess of War, though, bumping their shoulders together affectionately. "He's all yours after tonight."

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean," Thena glared at her, although it melted away when she turned her attention back to Gil upon his return. "Tell me no one else has peed on your leg, at least."

"No, no one after that poor little guy on the first day," Gil sighed, of course being a good sport about something that would have most people quitting on the spot. "And today a few people got pictures of their pets with me, so that was cute."

"Although that cat in a knapsack was utterly terrified of him," Sersi mused as she unwrapped her cookies and took a bite.

Everyone had made different ones. Makkari had chosen gingerbread, Druig making something with dried berries in them. Thena and Ikaris, the much less baking-inclined of them, had both made cookies from instant mix. Sersi had helped Ikaris make his own chocolate chip cookies herself (although she had protested that they weren't in the spirit of the season, which he had ignored).

Thena made the sugar cookies that Gil currently had a full bag of.

"Hey, what're you up to?" Gil asked Thena more softly, taking a bite of the sugary star and then holding up a bite for her. "We've got 20 minutes--grab a coffee with us?"

Sersi watched Thena bite off a point of the star still in Gil's hand and shot to her feet. "Oh, uhm, Ikaris is calling me! You two go and--Gil, I'll meet you back here!"

Gil shrugged, watching Sersi all but sprint off into a crowd of shoppers. He turned back to Thena, who had left him the last star point generously. "Okay, just you and me, then--you in?"

Thena nodded, smiling at him as she chewed her cookie bite.

"These turned out really good," he smiled as he pulled out another one, walking towards the unique hellscape that was the mall starbucks. "You took my advice about making the butter room temperature, didn't you?"

"And what you said about the second round not taking as long because the pan is already hot," she smiled, leaning in as he held out another star for her.

"Thanks," he smiled at her more softly than before, despite the chaos around them. "These really kept me sane between the screaming and the crying and complaining parents."

Thena brushed a few crumbs off his coat, "you love doing this kind of stuff--especially if it's for kids."

"Yeah, that's true," he conceded easily. A few teenagers ran past them, bumping him closer to her. Neither said anything. "But I'd still rather be hanging out with you on my time off."

"Well," Thena pulled out the last cookie she'd packed for him this round, holding it up for him this time. "Three more hours, and then you're free."

"Three more hours," he sighed, leaning in to steal a bite of the cookies she had made just for him. He held her eyes as she brushed a crumb off the corner of his lips, "I can do that."

"Um," the nervous young barista coughed, watching the couple canoodling in the middle of the line, "do you wanna order? Or..."

[finmoryo]

Here’s some of my favorite Silmarillion fics!

Series

The Ever-Fixéd Star by EirianErisdar

Gen, Kidnap dads, Nerdanel/Fëanor

Maglor dies protecting Rivendell, and Fëanor and his sons are sent to the void. Elrond attempts to free them. Lots of family bonding, and of course, some angst that still’s unresolved because the creator hasn’t updated the second story yet. It’s heartbreaking at points. Probably my favorite fic series ever. Long but so worth it.

Aurë entuluva by ScribeofArda

Fingon/Maedhros, Maedhros + his brothers + a couple OCs, some more things I won’t spoil

A Nirnaeth Arnoediad fix-it series with a time loop. Maedhros suffers a little (a lot). Fingon cares for him so much. There’s also some wonderful family bonding. Long, but you should absolutely catch up to be able to read the new fic when it updates. I’m looking forward to Curufin’s story. Ongoing. Current story is a Thangorodrim rescue and recovery fic.

Meanwhile in Ost-in-Edhil by elennalore

Celebrimbor/Annatar

I feel like the tag ‘Poor Celebrimbor’ sums this up really well.

Modern Mayhem by protisvit

Fingon/Maedhros, Celegorm + Aredhel

A reddit post is turned into Russingon. Some other things I’ve read but don’t remember. Celegorm is chaotic.

Ships

Beguiled by One by Verecunda

Melkor/Mairon

Mairon is seduced by Melkor in Almaren. Poor Mairon. I read this between classes and couldn’t stop thinking about it.

a refuge from a sweeping wind, from a tempest by aikanaro

Caranthir/Haleth

Caranthir and Haleth have kids. Lots of fluff. Read this one at midnight when I had a Halenthir phase for about 2 hours before Curufinrod took over. 

Diary of An Elven Lord by Lady_Gavroche

Caranthir + his brothers, Caranthir + dwarves, Caranthir/Haleth

Mostly gen, but Halenthir is in there. Caranthir broods about his life and family. Pretty funny. 

How long is eternity? by Ysilme

Glorfindel/Erestor

Erestor gets kidnapped, and Glorfindel is desperate to find him. Erestor’s POV is a little anxiety-inducing at times.

scraps of dark in a starshrewn night by Solanaceae

Lúthien/Thuringwethil, Lúthien/Beren

Lúthien tells a story and Thuringwethil listens. I thought this one was pretty interesting.

The Stillness Obscured by JazTheBard

Maeglin/Túrin, Maeglin + Túrin + Túrin’s family

Túrin ends up in Nan Elmoth and is betrothed to Maeglin, who attempts to smuggle him out multiple times. Eöl is awful. It’s great. The tag ‘dubious baby acquisition’ is always a sign it’ll be a good fic.

The Magnificent Heart by ObtuseDunderfuck

Gil-Galad/Oropher, Oropher + Thranduil

Gil-Galad and Oropher love each other, but Gil-Galad is an asshole and problems ensue. Oropher has to deal with a pining fool. Elrond is as amazing as ever. Ongoing. 

In the Bleak Midwinter by Harp_of_Gold

Maeglin/Celebrimbor

Maeglin lived through the Fall of Gondolin and is found outside Celebrimbor’s camp. They both learn how to get along again. It’s really sweet and interesting and also kinda sad.  

The Legend-Makers by  AdmirableMonster (Mertiya), HoundsofValinor

Fingon/Maedhros, Elrond/Celebrían + their kids + Maglor

Elrond tells his sons a bedtime story about love and friendship - how Maedhros saved his husband from an evil monster. Incredibly enjoyable, kept me on the edge of my seat. 

The One More Likely by Ulan (you need to log in to an account to read this one)

Glorfindel/Erestor

Glorfindel leaves notes on Erestor’s desk, not knowing Erestor had a crush on him. Lots of drama ensues. Gave me a lot of feels.

Gen

Woven in Dreams by Lithgaeril

Caranthir + his parents + Curufin, Caranthir + Míriel

Caranthir meets his grandmother and discovers his craft. One of my favorite fics, it’s super sweet. Fëanor cares about his children.

brother dearest, i need some clout so pls model for my next instagram product placement? by protisvit, zuo_zuo

Maglor + Maedhros

Maedhros is sent to bring Maglor back to Valinor during modern times. Maglor is having a great time. Implied Russingon but it’s not really a big deal and is barely mentioned. A really funny fic, I really enjoyed it. I’ve reread it many times. The art in it is great.

Of Breaking by JazTheBard

Maeglin + Celebrimbor

Maeglin and Celebrimbor bond in the Halls while looking at the tapestries. This fic made me ship them, even though it’s only about friendship.

Jailbird by JazTheBard

Maglor + Boromir + Faramir, some more I won’t spoil

Maglor is captured and lives in a tower in Gondor. He adopts more children and has a crisis. A good late night read.

Say NO To Shiny (And Other Valuable Life Lessons) by fflewddur_feanorion

Maglor + The Fellowship + every character they meet along the way

Maglor joins the Fellowship and is dramatic. Regularly updated.

Unwanted Advice by certain_as_the_sun

Fëanor + E&E, Elrond + his sons + Fëanor, E&E + Kidnap dads (mostly Maglor) 

Fëanor is a disembodied spirit and haunts Elrond and his family, the only ones who can see him. This one is funny, but there’s a specific moment that I thought was really sad.

who could ask to be unbroken (or to be brave again) by Piyo13

Tauriel + Maglor, Tauriel + OC

Tauriel meets Maglor out in the woods and bonds with him. He’s the most parental figure-like Fëanorian I guess.

[bookenders]

Hmm OK I wanted to ask about this certain flavour of fantasy genre. Do you have any books where like classic fantasy creatures are living in society side by side and pulling integrated. Like say the fae sell Coffe with a shot of confidence to help calm urself kinda vibe kinda book?

You know what, I think I do have some soft sci-fi/fantasy/urban fantasy for ya! I know a lot of graphic novels and webcomics that fit the bill, but not too many prose books. Some of these are for younger audiences, too, which has never prevented me from reading anything and if you don't think "kid books" are for everyone then you're wrong and have a nice day.

I follow a webcomic on Webtoons - Crumbs by Whitherling (now complete!)- and it is exactly what you're looking for. A legit magical bakery that serves emotion-flavored treats, witches and magic people, beautiful soft art, and a story about finding yourself and who you want to be. A complete heart-warmer.

The first prose book that came to mind is The Cybernetic Teashop by Meredith Katz. It's a sweet ace romance between a Latina protagonist and a sapient robot. It's not quite cozy teashop vibes as it has some heavy looking stakes, but it looks super good and has been on my to-read list for a while now.

Magic to Brew by Grace Ellis, Shae Beagle, Kate Leth (Illustrator), Caitlin Quirk (Illustrator), Clayton Cowles (Illustrator) - a graphic novel

Werewolf barista Julie and her new girlfriend go on a date to a close-up magic show, but all heck breaks loose when the magician casts a horrible spell on their friend Chet. Now it's up to the team of mythical pals to stop the illicit illusionist before it's too late. - Goodreads

The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O'Neill - dragons that make tea and how to take care of them. I can't think of anything cuter than that. Seriously, what are you waiting for?

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker, Wendy Xu (Artist), Joamette Gil (Letterer) - I love Wendy so much and this book looks so sweet.

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh - another graphic novel about a witch and magic and wholesome vibes.

Snap’s town had a witch.

At least, that’s how the rumor goes. But in reality, Jacks is just a Crocs-wearing, internet-savvy old lady who sells roadkill skeletons online. It’s creepy, sure, but Snap thinks it's kind of cool, too.

Snap needs a favor from this old woman, though, so she begins helping Jacks with her strange work. Snap gets to know her and realizes that Jacks may in fact have real magic—and an unlikely connection to Snap’s family’s past. - Goodreads

Séance Tea Party by Reimena Yee - people on Goodreads say this one will make you cry, but in a good way.

After watching her circle of friends seemingly fade away, Lora is determined to still have fun on her own, so when a tea party leads Lora to discovering Alexa, the ghost that haunts her house, they soon become best friends. - Goodreads

Anything by Molly Ostertag. She has a new release, The Girl from the Sea, which is a sweet selkie romance about growing up queer and being who you are - in Canada!

Personally, I had feel-good vibes when reading The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. There's some violent and kinda spooky scary stuff in it, but I like those kind of softer ghosty feels.

If you're into podcasts, I'd recommend Love and Luck. It's super queer, Australian, full of love, and so, so sweet and healing.

Australia's first LGBT audio drama, Love and Luck is a fictional radio play podcast, told via voicemails. It’s a slice of life queer romance story with a touch of magic.

The story is about two men who fall in love, learn they have magic powers, and use those powers to support and protect their community. The good guys win, no one gets killed, and queer people of all types are all loved and valued.

[jess-rewatches-prodigalson]

Killabustas (S2, E9)

My time-stamped thoughts for this episode are below. As always I reference Malcolm’s mental health. A lot. So if that’s going to be a trigger for you, don’t keep reading.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

0:00 - Are the birds flying past Malcolm’s apartment supposed to be an omen for the rest of the season? Or just some foreshadowing for the bird-heavy episode? .....I’m probably reading wayyy too much into this.

0:12 - Ugh. Someone give this sweet cinnamon roll a hug. He’s spiralling. He is so close to having a total mental breakdown and it breaks my heart. (but like, I also want to see it because emotional whump is my favourite).

0:23 - “How can I trust you? I know what you did.” This. This is what’s killing Malcolm. The fear that if Gil, Dani, JT, and Edrisa find out what he did for Ainsley they won’t trust him. He’s afraid they’ll abandon him. He’s afraid that they’ll hate him as much as he already hates himself. ISTG the moment they all find out (or tell Malcolm what they suspect) Malcolm will break. That will be the metaphorical straw that breaks the camel’s back. 

0:34 - Anyone else think Malcolm looks completely adorable (yet super sad and scared) when he’s focusing on painting? <3

0:45 - “Why must everything you paint have an exit wound?” I love that this suggests that this isn’t the first mother-son painting session. <3 hahaha

0:47 - “It’s a pear.” It’s heartbreaking that Malcolm didn’t even realize that his pear was bleeding. C’mon Jessica, it’s time for an intervention. Malcolm is breaking in front of you. DO SOMETHING. 

1:01 - NO. DAMN IT FEDAK. I wanted to see Malcolm’s reaction when Jessica told him she was writing a memoir. I wanted to see it so badly. I wanted to see him panic about the fact that she was inevitably going to disclose information about his childhood that he’d rather not have public. 

1:09 - “How much worse you really are.” OOOOOOOOOOHHHH SHIT. I can’t believe he said that to his Mother’s face. hahahaha OMG. Malcolm is a little shit head and I love him. Well, at least I know he’s upset about the fact that she’s writing this book. His jab at Jessica proves that much.

1:42 - Is Malcolm playing matchmaker here? hahaha or is he just trying to get Jessica out of his loft ASAP?

1:53 - “Why didn’t they call me?!?” Can you hear the sound of my heart breaking? I understand why they didn’t call him in on this one BUT it’s not helping Malcolm’s mental health. On top of the fear that he is becoming his father, the stress of covering up a murder, the fear that his sister is going to become a serial killer, his childhood trauma, and usual mental health issues - Malcolm is afraid he’s going to be abandoned if the team finds out about Endicott. This is reinforcing those fears. 

1:55 - “Where should I start?” At least Jessica can see how much pain Malcolm is in. I wish she’d do something constructive about it.

2:00 - “Forget to call someone?” Something about the way Malcolm waltzes into the frame and delivers that line is super endearing. He’s like a little kid running after his older siblings and their friends when they tried to go to the mall without him. <3 

2:05 - Why the hell didn’t Gil just pull a 1x12 on Malcolm and insist Malcolm take a holiday? Hell - he could’ve gotten Jessica to enforce it. The fact that Gil is being super distant with Malcolm is not helping Malcolm’s very fragile mental health. GIL I’M DISAPPOINTED IN YOU (and I have been all season....) :(

 2:12 - “Trauma’s my middle name.” Okay so 1) what is Malcolm’s middle name? If it’s Martin please tell me he changed it when he changed his last name. 2) At least we got a small papa!Gil moment this episode. <3 

2:26 - “Fine.” This is Gil terrified. Remember what Gil said in 1x12? “He was losing it. I mean, I could see that. But I was afraid that I’d lose him.” That’s why Gil is letting Malcolm on this case. He knows Malcolm is losing it and he’s terrified of what Malcolm might do to himself with time on his hands. Gil doesn’t think Malcolm should be working but he knows it’s the only thing he can do to help Malcolm in the short term. 

2:42 - hahahaha Gil’s taken-aback look when Malcolm starts not-so-subtly being a member of the Gillica fan club. hahaha <3

3:00 - Okay. I’m done. Edrisa can’t still think she and Malcolm might happen. I can’t handle this blantant one-sided worship anymore and I’m so glad it’s ending this episode (I hope).

3:07 - “and also, you’re bleeding.” <3 JT looking out for Bright. <3 

3:12 - “Oh. I thought that this was your hobby?” <3 Dani teasing Bright. <3 I love that Dani, Edrisa, and JT are at least giving Malcolm some positive attention right now. It’s good for his fragile mental state. <3 

3:40 - The directing is really good this episode. I’m not usually a person who notices that kind of thing but DAMN. 

“It’s an expression of power and control.” “Sounds like someone with serious anger issues.” Yikes. Why do the ‘cases of the week’ always relate back to Malcolm’s current mental health crisis?!? Malcolm dismembered a body (for Ainsley but still). Now he’s profiling that the act of dismembering a body is an expression of power and control. That reinforces his fear that he’s becoming like Martin. Dani’s distaste and offhanded comment about anger issues won’t help Malcolm’s very real fear of abandonment. Hell, it’s compounding his fears that he’s like his father - the man obsessed with power and control who has a nasty temper when things don’t go his way. 

4:09 - “Our killer derived pleasure from this.” Dani looks terrified when Malcolm says this. Is it just because she thinks this is a gross and scary murder scene? Or is it because she’s connecting the Malcolm+Endicott dots?

4:11 - “budding homicidal psychopath” is this supposed to be foreshadowing that Malcolm is becoming a psychopath? The writers have been suggesting that Malcolm enjoyed cutting up the body all season. .....and I don’t want the story to go that way. Please no.

4:15 - “I think I just became a vegetarian.” hahahaha JT is my hero. I love this dude and his dry but humorous comments.

4:26 - Once again - I can’t rewatch the Martin+Capshaw scenes. Once was more than enough. My basic thoughts on this particular scene? Capshaw and Martin are both gross. I think Martin is desperate for physical contact and Capshaw knows it. I think Capshaw is manipulating Martin (why is a mystery to me). I also think Martin is manipulating Capshaw so he can use her to help him escape.....I do however think Martin is a heterosexual male who is full of lust and physical desires. (which is really gross to me - a sex-repulsed asexual).

 6:22 - I have a serious love-hate relationship with this scene. On one hand, Gil is clearly so so so concerned about Malcolm here and it warms my cold dead heart. On the other hand, the fact that he sends Dani to talk to Malcolm instead of just talking to Malcolm himself kind of pisses me off. Gil’s been really distant with Malcolm all season and it’s killing me. BUT I also kind of understand why Gil is passing off Malcolm to Dani (I don’t agree with it but I digress). All season the writers have been pushing the Brightwell relationship. We’ve seen a lot of really good meaningful conversations between Dani and Malcolm. At this point in time, it appears that Malcolm is willing to open up to Dani more than anyone else. Think about it. Even in season 1 - Malcolm never really opened up to Gil about his mental health. Gil knows that Malcolm won’t talk about his mental health with him - so he’s sending in the expert (Dani). I’m not happy about this but I kind of get it. 

6:39 - OMG. Malcolm excitedly sliding into the room is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. <3

6:44 - “What are you guys talking about?” “You.” Exhibit A. If Malcolm had just responded with “what? why?” or Gil had followed up his statement with “we’re worried about you” we could’ve had a meaningful conversation about Malcolm’s mental health. Right. Here. BUT Malcolm knows why they’re talking about him. Malcolm is deflecting. He doesn’t want to talk about this with Gil. So he rolls his eyes and walks away. Gil shouldn’t have let Malcolm off the hook so easily. :( 

7:36 - “There’s a special place in hell for people who hurt birds.” Ugh. I just want to hug this little cinnamon roll. <3 

7:55 - “Where’d this murder board come from?”  hahahaha I love how JT’s constant mood is “I work with crazy people”. 

8:07 - “You’re a web sleuth.” I love that JT somehow manages to get across that he thinks Edrisa is a complete weirdo but he respects the hell out of her. Also - the fact that JT teases the people he loves is so cute to me. 

8:31 - “Ouf.” This was funny but it also felt a little ooc? Like wouldn’t Gil just cross his arms and say “Edrisa” as a gentle but stern warning? 

8:53 - Does Edrisa have no filter or do people really think about sex this often? As an asexual, I’m genuinely asking.

8:55 - I love how uncomfortable Gil and JT get every time Edrisa starts talking about sex and/or reproductive anatomy. hahaha

9:37 - Did Martin ever kill animals? As a teenager maybe? 

9:47 - “They have all the control over this cages, seemingly inferior creature.” ....is this supposed to be a subtle reference to the Martin/Capshaw thing? Capshaw being the killer and Martin being the inferior animal she’s controlling? 

10:15 - Nope. I’m out. Can’t do it. So gross. 

11:00 - “It’s super gross.” Malcolm is all of us. 

11:08 - Soooo is Martin fantasizing about killing Capshaw after they do sexy things (hopefully consensual ones)?

11:52 - “Oh I’m already crazy.” This is somehow adorable and completely heart shattering. Malcolm is hiding his pain behind humour but he genuinely believes that he’s crazy. :( 

12:00 - Is this the only conversation Malcolm and Edrisa have ever had without Edrisa hero-worshiping Malcolm?......I like it?!?! These two are total weirdos and should definitely be besties.

13:14 - Damn. Edrisa is shining in this episode. <3 <3 

13:33 - “No. You won’t” hahaha JT being the team big brother is so cute. 

13:46 - “You coming?” Malcolm is so soft here. <3 <3 

14:00 - I love everything about this scene. I love how Dani opens up to Bright - even though it’s clearly still painful for her to talk about. I love how attentive and caring Malcolm is. I love how in character they both are. Malcolm is trying to deflect his problems. I love how Malcolm is 100% aware that Dani doesn’t believe his “I’m fine” bs. Dani is trying to get him to open up by sharing some of her own demons with him. Dani looks upset and worried that Malcolm won’t open up - but not surprised. 

15:00 - “I pulled a Bright.” hahahaha OMG. I love that Dani and Malcolm don’t question this expression at all. It suggests that the team has used the phrase “pulling a Bright” before and I am here for it. 

15:27 - This is what I call ‘passively suicidal’. Yes, Malcolm jumps in front of that car because he thinks it will help him solve the case. Yes, it’s technically an action motivated by the will to live. HOWEVER, he doesn’t move out of the way when Dani tells him to. That car is driving slowly. He doesn’t move. Because he’s in a mental state where he doesn’t care if he lives or dies. He has moments when he cares about life (like solving a case) but those just aren’t enough anymore. Yes, he looks a little alarmed when the car approaches him - but I honestly doubt Malcolm is frozen in fear. 

15:56 - “You had the right of way. He can’t sue.” Holy shit. First of all - I immediately think Ashton is a douche. Secondly - is this how America works?!?! In Canada we teach our drivers that the ‘pedestrian always has the right of way’.

16:11 - “My super close friends from online.” Honestly - I feel called out. This is how I must sound when mention my internet friends to my family.

16:25 - Sooooo we’re all in agreement right? The fact that Malcolm has hit the left side of his head without medical treatment this many times = 1) mental breakdown sometime before the end of the season or 2) a way to get him out of taking the fall for Endicott.

16:38 - *sigh* can someone please hug this man!?!? He just can’t catch a break. This whole conversation between Malcolm and hallucination!Martin is heartbreaking. It shows that on some level even Malcolm knows he’s going to break soon because his mental health is in tatters. 

17:23 - “She’s not like the others.” Who are the ‘others’? Are these the other people that Malcolm’s had a romantic interest in? Are ‘others’ friends from Malcolm’s past? Or are the others Gil, Edrisa, and JT?  

17:34 - Ugh. Floppy haired. Bruised. Sad. My whump heart is so full. 

17:56 - Does Malcolm not go on the internet? He didn’t know what a sock puppet is? (granted, I’m 24 and I didn’t know either).

18:04 - The firefighter’s name is BLAZE (Blaise)?!? Are you kidding me?

18:24 - “No. No, it isn’t.” Damn. JT is worried about Malcolm. Just look at him. 

18:51 - Do I think it’s weird that this dude is so openly flirting with Edrisa in the middle of a police questioning?!? HELL YES. Do I think it’s weird that Edrisa’s allowed in the questioning??!!? HELL YES. Am I glad they’re giving Edrisa a love interest who isn’t Malcolm? OH HELL YES. ....also Edrisa and Blaze are kind of cute? Like they’re both weirdos and they’re both into each other so ...?!!?

19:47 - Wow. This whole “Killabustas police interrogation” scene is painfully hard to rewatch. Like - the dialogue makes absolutely no logical sense but it had to be there for the plot? Everything is just too convenient. The pamphlets. The fact that these members were all so quick to meet IRL. The fact that these dudes were able to track Alex down so quickly....I mean....who is buying this nonsense?!?!

20:05 - Ugh my asexual ass can’t handle the amount of horny people in this episode. 

20:18 - Anyone else think it’s strange that Gil referred to Malcolm as “Bright” to Jessica?!? I mean, Jessica is Malcolm’s mother. PLUS it feels like Gil is trying to emotionally distance himself from Malcolm?!? 

20:24 - “Remind me to take Malcolm out of my will.” hahahahaha OMG. I love Jessica so much.

20:44 - These Jessica/Gil scenes were a highlight of the episode for me. They’re just so cute. I love how supportive Gil is. I love how Jessica isn’t repressing her feelings with booze during this episode. I love how open about her insecurities Jessica is with Gil. I love how happy they both look. <3 <3 <3 <3 

21:24 - “Some still do.” YES!!!! YES!!!! Keep flirting Gil!!! Don’t give up on her!!! <3 <3 

21:45 - Holy shit. How much does Edrisa get paid?!?! This is a rich person apartment. I’m shook. 

23:05 - Again. I must fast forward through the nasty romantic manipulation that is the Capshaw+Martin scene. The sexual tension made me nauseous the first time. But I WILL say that I think the black guard in this scene - Mr. Benjamin will be the dude Martin maims next episode (from the previews) - not Mr. David. Either that or the black patient in the room. 

25:25 - “Watch out. I bite.” ........I have no words. My asexual ass is shocked, disgusted, and .....kind of proud of Edrisa for going after what she wants (even if she’s super crass about it). 

26:03 - “That’s a seriously twisted mind.” “Sure. The kind I get.” This whole scene is heartbreaking. I honestly can’t tell if Malcolm is projecting himself, Ainsley, or both of them onto the suspect. “He killed for attention” - sounds like Ainsley to me. “Alex was going to out him to the group” ......HOLY SHIT. Does this mean Ainsley’s going to try and kill Malcolm and/or Jessica because she think’s they’ll rat her out?!?!?! “It’s about preserving the group. The Vulture needs them.” - That sounds like Malcolm to me. Malcolm doesn’t want to tell the team about Ainsley because he needs them and he’s scared they’ll abandon him if they find out about Ainsley. 

27:10 - I’m getting secondhand embarrassment from the west coast of Canada.

27:21 - “Our killer would never order take out.” Weak, Malcolm. Weak excuse. 

27:40 - annnnnndd this scene was a hard skip for me. I can’t watch Martin and Capshaw prepare to do sexy things. Nope. ALTHOUGH, I will say: Capshaw’s story about how she ended up in Claremont is interesting. Whether it’s true or not is debatable but it definitely shows that Capshaw is manipulative and creepy like Martin. I have a very strong feeling that Capshaw is a psychopath, serial killer, or sociopath. 

31:00 - Edrisa checking out Malcolm’s loft is everything I dreamed it would be. The fact that she’s clearly in awe of his weapons collection. The fact that she has no regard for his privacy and just starts going through his fridge and sleeping area. The fact that she so openly comments and judges the stuff in his loft (ie. restraints on the bed, lack of food in the fridge). It’s perfect. 

31:27 - “This is the fridge of a very sad person.” LMAO. I love this line so so so much. I love how Edrisa seems to be realizing for the first time just how broken Malcolm is. I love how sheepish Malcolm looks when she unintentionally calls him out. I love how amused Dani is by the whole situation. <3 <3 

32:00 - annnndddd the Killabustas have taken over Malcolm’s loft. They don’t ask for permission to set up his TV. They don’t awkwardly hang out near the door until Malcolm invites them to ‘make themselves at home’ or any of the other common pleasantries us North Americans go through when we visit the homes of acquaintances. They walk right in and claim ownership. It’s kind of beautiful? 

32:13 -......so did they already have Malcolm’s wifi password or am I expected to believe that they either a) have a mobile hotspot, b) are using data, c) web-sleuthed their way into hacking his wifi, or d) Malcolm had his wifi password written down somewhere super obvious inside the house?!?! This is honestly the most unrealistic thing about this episode. It’s 2021. The first time you visit a friend’s house you ask for their wifi password. It’s what you do. 

33:28 - Ok. I like the kiss on the cheek. Very respectful. She clearly would’ve been down for more but he’s a gentleman and I respect the hell out of it. 

33:48 - “I’m sorry Blaze is so jacked.” hahaha OMG Edrisa - Malcolm’s not romantically interested in you. He never has been. Read the room woman!

36:11 - Ashton is Malcolm in this scene. “I’ve been a freak my whole life. I had nothing until that bird video. Suddenly, I was a part of something.” == “I’ve been a freak my whole life. I had nothing until I joined the team. Suddenly, I was a part of something.”

36:38 - “Ashton, it won’t work. Family will only go so far. Because once they know the truth - who they’re really after - they’ll give up on you. And no more family.” Ouch. This hurts. Malcolm genuinely believes that Gil, Dani, JT, and Edrisa are going to abandon him the second they find out what he did for Ainsley. Malcolm thinks they’re going to hate him. Malcolm thinks they’re going to think he’s like Martin - a criminal. A killer. Look at how broken Malcolm looks and sounds here. It’s not just that Malcolm thinks he’s going to be abandoned. It’s that he thinks he deserves to be abandoned. He thinks he’s a monster. 

 37:02 - EDRISA!!! DAMN. I love this badass. <3 <3 So proud of the girl who literally had a panic attack in 1x15 when she had to save a that ‘almost-victim’ by injecting alcohol into him. 

38:05 - My heart is so full. This is honestly one of my top 10 moments of Prodigal Son to date. I love that we see Gil’s new car. I love that he’s working on his car in a police mechanic shop. I love this little glimpse into Gil’s personal life  - the man who likes fixing up old cars with a cold beer while listening to 80s music in an boombox from the 80s. <3 I love the absolute adorableness that is Jessica and Gil awkwardly flirting. 

I love that Jessica - the rich socialite - holds Gil’s wrench without question. Even though she looks a little confused. I love that Jessica comes to Gil this time. He’s been instigating the flirting most of this season. It looks like Jessica’s finally ready to be an equal partner in the relationship.

I love that Jessica - the rich socialite - takes a drink of Gil’s working-class beer with a smile. His social class isn’t beneath her. She doesn’t care about how rich he is - just about the purity of his intentions and the depth of his devotion to her family. 

39:00 - “Oh I remember her. How fiercely she protected her kids.” I LOVE THIS. I love that Gil is attracted to Jessica’s devotion as a mother. I love that the fact that she had children with another man (a serial killer) doesn’t bother him. He loves how fierce, independent, and strong she is and that’s absolutely gorgeous. 

I love who wholesome their romantic moment is. Unlike Edrisa and Martin’s live scenes - it’s not fast, heavy, and physical. It’s slow, gentle, and emotional. Gil and Jessica dance like an old married couple when the song they danced to at their wedding comes on the radio. 

I love the setting of the scene. How they’re dancing in a dirty mechanic’s shop. Jessica is dressed like the rich woman she is and Gil is wearing a plaid shirt rolled up to his elbows. The contrast is striking and beautiful. I love that Jessica isn’t trying to make Gil fit into her social status. She’s not dragging him to rich people galas and forcing him to dress or act like someone he’s not (although he would so do that for her). She’s hanging out with Gil on his turf and she’s delighted about it. <3 

 40:08 - “Do you think you can ever really know someone?” Isn’t this what Malcolm said to Gil in 1x17 as the whole Endicott thing was boiling? You know - a few episodes before the team arrests Malcolm in his loft when he’s in the middle of a mental crisis?!? Is this foreshadowing for the next mental health breakdown?!? (Hopefully a fully mental health breakdown this time?!?!)

40:18 - “Masquarading as someone he wasn’t” Yikes. Malcolm truly believes he’s lying to the team just because he’s not acting like a monster. Malcolm has truly convinced himself that he is his father’s son. 

40:45 - I don’t even care how you feel about Brightwell. The fact that Dani is the only person this whole season who has told Malcolm that he’s not a monster makes her the greatest friend he could ever ask for. 

40:51 - “Ever since Nicholas died.” ....well Dani isn’t a moron so if she didn’t connect the dots before she will now. If we don’t get an intervention next episode I’m going to throw hands. 

40:57 - Why. Does. Martin. Have. To. Ruin. Every. Chance. Malcolm. Gets. To. Begin. To. Heal?!?!

41:16 - “ooooohhhh here comes the kiss” .....honestly though. Martin is every Brightwell shipper.

41:20 - I respect the hell out of Malcolm for shutting Dani down like this. Yes - he absolutely should’ve come clean with her. HOWEVER, he clearly isn’t ready to share this burden and the fact that he shut down the progress of any romantic relationship is really good. Because Dani would be SO MAD if they started dating while he was actively lying to her. It would be the end of their friendship. Forget your Brightwell ship - they wouldn’t even be friends. 

41:40 - “Why are you ruining this!?” Dani had to have heard this. Even if she didn’t....Malcolm was pretty obviously glancing over her shoulder at hallucination!Martin before she left. There’s no way Dani - a detective - won’t be able to figure out that Malcolm is hallucinating. I WANT A MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTION. NEXT EPISODE. I’M MANIFESTING IT INTO EXISTANCE. EVEN THOUGH I DON’T TRUST FEDAK TO GIVE IT TO ME. I JUST WANT SOMEONE TO HUG MALCOLM. 

42:06 - Honestly thought Capshaw was going to beat the crap out of Friar Pete here. This woman is unstable. Mark my words. She’s going to kill someone (if she hasn’t already). 

I know I kind of shat on this episode a bit but I honestly really liked it? I loved the character development it gave us. Even if the plot was pretty subpar. 

Thanks for hanging out. See you next week. <3 :)