#I LOVE ROZZIE WITH ALL MY HEART

[lunumochi]

@crowboye 's handsome star boy Ikaros

I like putting him in different clothes like a dress up doll and I will do it again

(Older art that I hadn't had the chance to finish btw)

[liviavanrouge]

Boyfriends

Rozzie: Today really is a nice day for a picnic...

Vil: Be grateful I brought you here, Golden suggested it..

Epel: Thanks Golden-Senpai

Golden: Don't thank me, but I do appreciate it, this one here is stubborn

Vil: *Rolls his eyes, smiling*

Ace: *Stares at the two confused*

Vil: You really annoy me some times Goldy

Ace: *Blinks curiously* Goldy...

Golden: *Nibbles on Vil's nose* Yummy~

Vil: *Laughs, moving away* Ah! Goldy, that's gross! I don't know where your mouth has been!

Golden: *Laughs* You saying my mouth stinks~

Vil: *Chuckles* You could use a mint

Golden: You stabbed me in the heart, that hurts, My Queen

Vil: *Snorts amused*

Ace: *Narrows his eyes at the two* Huh...

Ace: WAIT! ARE YOU TWO BOYFRIEND AND BOYFRIEND?!!

Deuce: You figured that out now and not before this!!

Ace: I was suspicious, but-

Golden: You got a problem with us being boyfriends, freshman? Want me to wallop the respect and sense into that feeble mind of yours, cause I'll gladly whoop that flat ass

Ace: NO, NO! I'M JUST SURPRISED!!

Golden: Surprised my ass!! You were judging us weren't you, you little shit!!

Vil: Goldy Baby, it's alright

Golden: *Snorts, settling back down* Sorry

Jamil: Why's he so defensive?

Vil: Some popular people like myself are expected to at times date the opposite gender...

Kalim: Yeah, that can be quite rough for you guys....

Vil: Me and Golden have been together since the middle of our freshman year, I assigned him to be my bodyguard even though I am very capable of defending myself

Vil: *Smiles, Golden resting his chin on his shoulder* I may be a famous figure but outside of that, I've found someone I'd very much love to spend the rest of my life with

Vil: *Presses a kiss to Golden's cheek* My golden knight in shining armor...

Golden: *Smiles, closing his eyes* My beautiful queen...the fairest one of all...

Rook: *Sniffles, looking close to crying* They're so beautiful! Such a lovely couple!!

Ace: Wow.... you can really feel the love from them

Jamil: I feel a lot of it just radiating from them..

Deuce: Me too, it's really amazing, I'm happy for them..

Oz: Yeah..

Aura: So romantic!

Ollie: They're so cute together...

Grim: Yuck-

Golden: *Snarls at Grim, his eyes glowing* Excuse me?

Grim: Nyah! Nothing, nothing!!

Vil: *Smiles, running his fingers through Goldens hair*

Golden: *Smiles, his head resting in Vil's lap*

@anxious-twisted-vampire @yukii0nna @writing-heiress @marrondrawsalot @abyssthing198 @zexal-club @teddymochi

[kyrodo]

There are some lines of thinking Lupy has that I can't fully connect with or know how to respond to in a way that he would approve of, generally the more negative or self destructive thoughts. But I am confirmed the one who understands him the most on vrchat. The company he finds particularly pleasant. And that makes me very happy to hear. It made my heart tingle a bit. And all the more with Shine, particularly nice purring session today and I am getting better with the purring. I've made him smile more than anyone since furality. And that also makes me very happy. Choskey being unable to stop saying I love you every few seconds makes me very happy.

So uhhhhh XD I have normal friends too, it's just harder for me to keep people in that orbit as often as I would like. That's more light, cattucino, beastner, kelchan, and browniie. Or slightly further, pixel, buster, sakuro(?), Rozzie, and Icy. But I am still very happy about that. Before vrchat I wouldn't have had any of them or even Choskey.

Looking for friends in the right places really helps, and looking for the right kinds/levels of friends also helps. Choskey still makes me very happy, even though sometimes I acknowledge he has an obnoxious side that comes out a lot around me, he's still really nice to have as a mate. But I admit feelings wise Shine and Lupy are giving me sensations. I fell hard for Red when I realized he was the first serious friend I made irl. Lupy is similar in some ways except it's not my first time anymore. Shine is just really cute with me but I am getting him to talk a bit more now and being around each other is addicting for both of us. I like him. And he's a lot less gross than gato when it comes to off the road romantic moments by a hefty margin.

I'm keeping it together. But trust makes me happy. Having other people recognize that trust too and how well I can calm Lupy also makes me happy.

There are so many things I'm not. I'm not the most animated or engaging person in the world, I don't have the highest energy, but I make up for it in a different way. I'm timid and people pleasing most of all. When push comes to shove I can express spite extremely well, but on the flip side under normal circumstances I never anger or hurt anyone and I always try to keep people comfortable. I show kindness where I can.

[heartbeetz]

It's the last day of pride month so here's an important reminder!

Bi trans polyam people!!!

[bellamysgriffin]

Okay, now I’m curious to know some of your favorite albums if you don’t mind? ‘Cause I can relate A LOT to the way you see Ms. Swift’s albums. And I’m searching for good music, so please give me recs! (Old & new.)

oh boy!! gear up, because i LOVE talking music.

pop:

rae by ashe & ashlyn by ashe (she's such a unique voice in pop today <3)

begin to hope by regina spektor

emails i can't send by sabrina carpenter

strangers forever by maude latour

woman on the internet by orla gartland

build a problem by dodie

bad together by rozzi

ed buys houses by sidney gish

gracetown by san cisco

wrong crowd by tom odell

bad ideas by tessa violet

some feelings by julia nunes

tell it to the volcano by miniature tigers

cuz i love you by lizzo

don't get dark by del water gap

be ok by ingrid michaelson

country:

you don't own me anymore by the secret sisters (LOVING this one lately)

jolene by dolly parton

out among the stars & american IV by johnny cash

lady & gentlemen by leeann rimes

rock:

jade bird by jade bird (OH MY GOD!!!!!)

odessey and oracle by the zombies

hotel tv by lawrence (this is sorta pop/rock/r&b fusion)

combat sports by the vaccines

bad self portraits by lake street dive (my favs)

playing chess by elise legrow

back to black by amy winehouse (EVERYTHING BY HER!)

chills and fever by samantha fish

songs for a sinking ship by april smith and the great picture show

we need medicine by the fratellis

the stranger by billy joel

love tattoo by imelda may

folk/indie:

in between dreams by jack johnson

songs of leonard cohen by leonard cohen (oh my god everything this man touches is GENIUS, he is probably my favorite lyricist of all time)

bridge over troubled water and sounds of silence by simon and garfunkel

wide awake & feathers and fishooks by rayland baxter

autumn fallin' by jaymay

maple ridge by swear and shake

healing and a remedy by upstate (SO underrated, one of my fav albums of all time is healing)

dead and born and grown by the staves

how i knew her by nataly dawn (SO GOOD)

jazz/r&b

lady soul by aretha franklin

lo-fi soul by haley reinhart

somewhere in between by eloise

it could happen to you by chet baker

the jerome kern songbook by ella fitzgerald

the astrud gilberto album by astrud gilberto

ella swings lightly by ella fitzgerald

songs from the heart by johnny hartman

in the wee small hours by frank sinatra

cocktail by rose colella

yesterday i had the blues by jose james

ella and louis by ella fitzgerald and louis armstrong (maybe my fav of all time?)

careless love by madeleine peyroux

[whatiwillsay]

HYMN FOR TOMORROW - A Dianna Agron Playlist

Rozzi - Hymn for tomorrow

I got baggage on my shoulders, you say Girl, let go And I been the bitch with the bad weather, you say Life is a record, play a new song

Rozzi - Orange Skies

Say goodbye Baby, take one last good look at orange skies Greater love you had, you shoulda held on tight Now there’s nothing you can do Orange skies that should be blue

HAIM - Want You Back

Some things are long forgotten Some things were never said We were on one endless road But I had a wandering heart I said we were opposite lovers (Said it from the beginning) you kept trying to prove me wrong (Said you’d always see it through) and I know that I ran you down So you ran away with your heart But just know that I want you back

Sharon Van Etten - Seventeen

Down beneath the ashes and the stone Sure of what I’ve lived and have known I see you so uncomfortably alone I wish I could show you how much you’ve grown

HAIM - Los Angeles

New York is cold I tried the winter there once, nope Clearly the greatest city in the world But it was not my home I felt more alone

Angel Olsen - Shut Up Kiss Me

And don’t delay We could still be having some Sweet memories This heart still beats for you Why can’t you see

Jessie Ware - Ooh La La

Everyday, everyday, everyday I look For your car, to pick me up, on the avenue Driving round, take me out, listening to the music Put your lips on my cheek, that would make me happy Ooo la la Open up the door, you know I like it Ooo la la Chivalry was dead but you revived it

Perfume Genius - Slip Away

Don’t look back, I want to break free If you’ll never see ‘em coming You’ll never have to hide Take my hand, take my everything If we only got a moment Give it to me now

Oh, ooh, love They’ll never break the shape we take Oh, ooh Baby, let all them voices slip away

Your Smith - Wild Wild Woman

I tried to leave her hiding, all strung up I tried to keep her quiet, but she’s screaming inside of me I tried to keep her hiding, all shut up I tried to keep her quiet But she’s a wild, wild woman

Twin Shadow - Saturdays (ft HAIM)

Traveled around a bit Making my chrome heart say Know what could make me stay? Know what could make me sit? Maybe we’re a fault line Maybe we’re a fault line ready to break Maybe you’re a time bomb I don’t care what your boyfriend say

King Princess - Hit the back

Well I’m a star but you’re an icon A dirty girl with lots of passion Staring at my fingers while I talk to you And I don’t care if you degrade me 'Cause after all, you are my safety And everything you touch just feels like yours to me Ain’t I the best you had?

Lorde - Supercut

In my head, I play a supercut of us All the magic we gave off All the love we had and lost And in my head The visions never stop These ribbons wrap me up But when I reach for you, there’s just a supercut

Maggie Rogers - Say it

I knew it when you looked my way That I’d be begging you to stay I couldn’t say it to myself I couldn’t say it to myself I fought that burdened pain away I held on when you moved away I couldn’t say it to myself I couldn’t say it to myself I couldn’t say it I couldn’t just say it

Lola Kirke - Omens

Our fire is still smokin’ Never came, then all too quickly I don’t need to see one more omen I already know just what you mean Get ahold of yourself I don’t want you to be somebody else I can’t get ahold of myself Cause I don’t want anyone else

Jenny Lewis - Do Si Do

Turn up the stereo 'Till everything rattles, ooh Life is a disco, a mambo Put on your day glow

HAIM - You Never Knew

Go on and say it Was my love too much for you to take? Well I guess you never knew what was good for you Don’t keep me waiting, say the words that you’re too scared to say I guess you never knew what was good for you

Shura - The Stage

And it’s so romantic. And I’m so pathetic. I can’t see the stage, Cause I’m looking at you.

And we’re done with music, So if you’re assuming. You’re coming back with me, Then baby yes you can.

Kelsey Lu - Due West

Didn’t know my feet were too big for my shoes Running in them led me to bruise Falling over Running home to you You had both my fingers and toes turning blue So afraid of cutting me loose You’re holding onto me You’re holding on Due west, I’m headed on this road Due west, just cruise as far as I can go to California, California, California Never looking back, goodbye (goodbye) A list of all the reasons why I wear them through I do it all for you

submission ⬆️⬆️⬆️

THAT’S SOME SWIFTGRON SHIT IF I EVER SAW IT!?

[argylemnwrites]

Thanks for the tag @axwalker! Sorry it took me days to get around to answering!

Music

Favorite Genre: pop, soft blues-rock

Fav artists: Eric Hutchinson, Lady Gaga, Ella Henderson, James Morrison, Elle King, Chris Stapleton

Fav song: Really depends on my mood, but “Food Chain” by Eric Hutchinson is consistently up there

Most Listened to Song: This is very dependent on my writing and overall mood, but currently, both “Uphill Battle” by Rozzi and “To Hell and Back” by Maren Morris from my Riley Liu playlist have been playing on repeat a lot

Five fav lyrics: These are going to be from musicals, because the word play in musicals is just damn memorable

“Is there an IUD/That can stop the image of you and me?” - “Oh My God I Think I Like You” from Crazy Ex Girlfriend (Season 1)

“Maybe she’s what you prefer/But hey, last year I was her/Maybe you will change your mind/But you might look up to find/I’ve moved on to better things/Better jobs or bigger rings/I don’t have the time to cry/I’m too busy loving my name up on that list/Kind of a cool, ironic twist” - “So Much Better” from Legally Blonde The Musical

“So I ain’t gonna fuss/I ain’t gonna frown/Have your fun/Go out on the town/Stay out late and don’t come home ‘til three/And go right off to sleep if you’re sleepy/There’s no use waitin’ up for me” - “All ‘Er Nothing” from Oklahoma!

“I have no problem being picked out from the bottom/If he’s your broken condom, I’m Plan B/So lower your expectations and settle for me” - “Settle for Me” from Crazy Ex Girlfriend  (Season 1)

“You and your words, obsessed with your legacy/Your sentences border on senseless/And you are paranoid in every paragraph/Of how they perceive you/You, you, you” - “Burn” from Hamilton

Radio or your own playlists? Radio while driving, own playlists at home

Solo artist or band? Solo artist

Pop or indie? Pop

Loud or soft volume? Soft, usually

Slow or fast songs? Both

Music videos or lyric videos? Both

Speakers or headset? Speakers

Riding a bus in silence or listening to music? I haven’t ridden a bus in about a decade

Driving in silence or with music? Music or podcasts

BOOKS

Fav Genre: General fiction, mystery, dystopian

Fav Writers: Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, Jhupma Lahiri

Fav Books: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie, 1984 by George Orwell

Fav book series: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Comfort book: Pride and Prejudice

Fav characters: Elizabeth Bennet, Ron Weasley, Gilbert Blythe, Jo March

Five quotes from your favorite books you know by heart: Pretty sure the only book I can quote by heart is Pride and Prejudice, hahaha

“You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least.”

“I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any.”

“An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day, you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.”

“If I had not a letter to write myself, I might sit by you and admire the evenness of your writing, as another young lady once did.”

“It will be of no use to us if twenty such should come since you will not visit them.” “Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twenty, I will visit them all.”

Hard cover or paperback? Both

Buy or rent? Buy

Standalones or series? Standalone

Ebooks or physical copies? Physical copies

Reading at night or during the day? Both

Reading at home or in nature? Both

Listening to music while reading or reading in silence? Music most of the time

Reading in order or read the ending first? In order!

Reliable or unreliable narrator? Most of the time reliable, but I do enjoy things getting mixed up with an unreliable one sometimes

Realism or Fantasy? Realism

One or multiple POVs? Both

Judge the cover or summary? Summary

Rereading or reading just once? Rereading

TV AND MOVIES

Fav genre? Drama, dramedy, comedy

Fav movie?  This is like asking a parent to pick a favorite child, but Mad Max Fury Road is near perfect, so if I have to pick just one, this is it.

Comfort movie? Mean Girls, Clueless, Hot Fuzz

Movies you watch every year? It’s A Wonderful Life and White Christmas

Comfort TV show? Parks and Rec, Frasier, Gilmore Girls

Most Rewatched TV show? The Office (US), Parks and Rec

5 Favorite characters? Diane Lockhart, Janet, Ron Swanson, Joan Holloway/Harris, Emily Gilmore

Tv show or movie? Movie

Short seasons Depends on the show

One episode a week or binge? Binge

One season or multiple seasons?  Multiple

One part or Saga? One part

Half hour or hour long episodes? Depends on the show

Subtitles on or off? Off

Download or watch online? Watch online

Since I’m horribly late with this response, not going to tag anyone specific.

[blacksurvivalnostalgichanges]

black survival characters as try guys quotes

Adela:He likes cold soup with vodka and seafood.

Adriana:Give whisky to a baby, a little amaretto to a child.

Alex: “Eugene, you are a boss!” “Damn right I’m a boss.” “No no no no no no!”

Arda: I prefer dogs over babies.

Aya: “What are you doing?” “R. Kelly was just charged with aggravated criminal sexual misconduct-” “All right! Yeeeah! We got him! Wow I can’t believe it, we’re a news organization.”

Barbara: We’ve been on the internet for like five years, I’m so glad that I could just goof around like Keith for once, fuck up like Zach for once, and drag (gun users) down with me the entire time.

Bernice: I have a lot of problems.

Bianca:I’ve just been informed the egg roll was invented in 1930′s New York, but you know, pretty much Ancient China.

Camilo:You have to say your fortune and then add “in bed” at the end.

Cathy: “Did you know Mommy was sick with that retina problem, and I ate blueberry every day, lots of blueberries, and it’s completely cured one year later? I owe something to blueberry” “Just the blueberries healed your eyes. Not the doctor.”

Chiara: Keith and Alex, I’m so proud of you, YB, performed as expected-

Chloe:”The thickness is in honor of my mother, who loves hard ice cream.” “I thought you were about to say your mom was thicc.”

Daniel: “I’m right, you’re wrong, shut up.” “(whispering) Shut up.”

Echion:It’s like you spent the last ten minutes just coming up with ideas of ways to ruin it

Eleven: “Your passionate heart will meet a matching flame today. -Panda Express”. Is this saying I’m gonna fall in love with Panda Express?

Eva: Can’t you just try some simple bullshit and execute it well....

Emma:(puts a whole orange inside her mouth and smiles) “oh, you look so-so..... dumb-”

Fiora: I just really hope I’m not the imposter, I hate it when I have to lie, I’m not a good liar- (cuts to imposter screen)

Hart: “I think you’re the best at losing.” “Yeah, I love it! What is this feeling??”

Hyejin:If you saw, I actually reviewed it fairly recently in my series with Chris Reinacher, who got hit by a car yesterday.

Hyunwoo: “This makes me think of, like, your dad got up in the ‘50s, and he’s going to work-” “Before he beats you?” “Yeah, he hates you. And he just needs his drink, but it’s morning, and he needs to go off to the plant.” “I wouldn’t know, I never had a dad.”

Isol: “You know you can get (a normal gameplay) any time of the week?” “Yeah. It’s too easy. I want the White Whale.”

Jackie: Now normally I would like to use my makeup brush here, but I left all my brushes in the back of my car and they melted.

Jan:”Wanna get some dough, bro?” “Get some dough, bro.” “Bro dough!” “Get dat dough.” “Get dat dough.”

Jenny: “In the Victorian times, fainting thing- it was all about the drama.” “But if we want attention... we should faint.” “Yes.”

JP:I have to win one of the episodes. It’s just like, positive regression’s gotta come my way eventually.

Lenox: (drinks a negroni) Oh. This tastes like my grandmother’s love. And she hated children.

Leon:Guys, cut it out. No queerbaiting in my shows.

Li Dailin: “Some place called the Swizzle Inn made it, apparently.” “That was my name in prison.”

Luke: Something I admire in Miles is his, commitment to, the bit he does in the Trypod. “Have you ever, wanted to drown, from the comfort of your own home? [...] Have you ever wanted to be.... as fertile, as a calf? In heat?”

Magnus:Gotta help out? Mr. Beast, who’s that? His name’s a beast? 20 million trees, that’s kind of a lot, right now? I’m busy.

Mai: “So I got third place?” “You definitely got third place.” “That’s cool. That’s great. That’s awesome.” “Your face is turning into classic Ned.” “It hurts! It hurts! Keith’s roll is terrible! It’s subjectively not the best!”

Nadine: “As long as you have good quality ingredients, it’s kinda hard to mess up a (nadine gameplay).” “Just you wait!”

Nathapon:(dramatic panic music) How did this even happen? How did this even happen? What even is that? I don’t even know what to do. How did this even happen? How’d that even happen? How- How did it happen? How’d it do this? What happened? I’m so confused-

Nicky: I wasn’t the best, but I somehow wasn’t the worst! A hollow victory but I’ll take it!

Rio:(yelling up) AAAAAAAA! I DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M DOING!

Rosalio:”Whole milk, not bullshit milk” “And then we have a whole collection of bullshit milk for me!”

Rozzi: “I wish you would’ve brought me a red bull.” “Well, I can’t bake those.”

Shoichi: Your captions are so dad that I feel like I’m your son.

Silvia:This is how I like to enjoy myself. (claps feet) I can clap with my little lobster feet. (claps feet more) I’m very talented.

Sissela: “Since you wouldn’t answer before, who is your favorite..... son?” “Eugene.” “Yaaaay I won somethiiiing!” “I have only one son.”

Sua:Now every so often you’re going to get a (book) that tastes terrible

William: “You know what would go great with these milkshakes?” “A girlfriend-” “A blondie!- okay, well, I don’t...”

Xiukai:Let’s not forget everyone’s favorite segment, Alex Made Some Cookies And Brought Them To The All You Can Eat Eating The Menu Time!

Yuki: “I’m sorry.” “No! I never got fourth place! This is awesome!”

Zahir:(drinks red bull while eating wings) “Red bull?” “It gives you wings.”

[spartanguard]

(love will see us through these) Dark Days [CSRT; 2/7]

Summary: A century ago, the United Realms of Pomem had been a land of peace, prosperity, and magic. Until war tore the land apart, leaving behind cruel leaders and even crueler laws regarding the use of magic. And each year, the youth of each realm are subjected to a fight to the death, both for entertainment and to weed out anyone capable of wielding magic. In the 99th Magic Games, past victors Emma Nolan and Killian Jones find themselves serving as mentors, while Alice Gothel and Robyn West end up representing their realm. Everyone has secrets; everyone has something to lose. Who will win? Who will die? Just don’t forget: all magic comes with a price.

rated M | 7k words | part 1 | AO3

A/N: And here’s chapter 2 of my story for the CS Rewrite-A-Thon! (@captainswanbigbang​) Thanks to everyone who read and commented on the first part! And eternal thanks to the best beta ever @optomisticgirl​. Please don’t get too mad at me for the flashback at the beginning of this. Title comes from "Come Away to the Water" by Maroon 5 f/Rozzi Crane.

part 2: Come away little lamb, come away to the slaughter / To the one appointed to see this through

Twenty-three years ago

The falling rain should have been sign enough of what was to come. Nothing good happened on dreary, drizzly days—not since Mama had passed, at least. But all Killian was really concerned with was the way it was working its way through his threadbare jacket as he stood and shivered in the town square with his classmates. 

He was nervous, too—who wouldn’t be at their first Reaping?

Liam had tried to calm him that morning, as he attempted to smooth down the cowlick on the crown of Killian’s head. “You’re only 12, so your name is only in there once. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

“What about you, though?” At 18, Liam’s name was in there seven times.

“My odds are still good; don’t worry, little brother.”

“Younger,” Killian muttered under his breath.

His brother’s words, right as they were, did little to calm him. The Games had a way of making the worst things happen. 

Killian’s heart rate picked up when the escort from Olympus reached into the bowl containing everyone’s names. The name he read out wasn’t familiar, thank goodness, and a guy from farther back in the crowd shuffled his way forward. His head was hung low; even if Atlantica was the reigning champion of the Games, and was generally considered to be a realm who did well in them, it didn’t mean that being Reaped was still anything less than a death sentence.

The kid was guided to the back of the stage, standing by last year’s champion, Milah Cassidy, and the escort turned his attention back to the bowl. Killian began to breathe deeply when he took out the next slip.

And then Killian’s heart stopped altogether.

“Killian Jones.”

No. No—it couldn’t be. Liam told him—his chances were so low—how? Just, how?

But it seemed as though his fate had been chosen for him, like always; no sense fighting it now. The crowd of kids his age began to part around him, and he straightened his spine and began to cross the short distance to the stage. But then something even worse happened.

“I volunteer!” 

Killian turned and stared at the shouting voice, to see Liam struggling against Black Knights who were holding him back. 

“I volunteer as tribute.”

He was once more stunned, speechless, and frozen in spot, as the guards let Liam go and he began to come to the front. Calm and noble—that’s how Liam always was.

But not Killian. His own fate he could have dealt with—but not Liam’s. As soon as his brain caught up with everything, he ran at his brother, who barely was able to brace himself for the impact of a gangly preteen slamming into him.

“Liam, no—you can’t; you can’t!” Killian cried in his ear; Liam would probably be just fine without him, but Killian—he couldn’t—he wouldn’t—

“It’s alright, brother,” Liam whispered, then somehow pried Killian’s arms off of him. Killian was too shocked to try to follow. He was vaguely aware of the Black Knights coming to stand on either side, but his gaze was transfixed on Liam as he took the stage.

“I’m Liam Jones,” he said, when asked for his name.

“Oh, then I bet that was your brother, wasn’t it?” the smarmy escort had said.

“Aye,” he nodded solemnly. The rest of the scene was blurred by Killian’s own tears.

He was vaguely aware, however, of being escorted by the soldiers into the city hall, where tributes were able to make their goodbyes. Killian was left in front of a door, and even though time was probably limited, it took a full minute for him to work up the nerve to open it.

In the small room, Liam was pacing, head down in thought—like he often was when trying to figure out how to make their last bit of food stretch enough for the two of them until they could afford more, or how to repair their roof, or one of the many problems that had been shoved onto his shoulders since Mama died and their father left.

He looked up when the door opened, though, and ran to Killian, pulling him into a tight hug.

“Liam, how could you?” Killian sobbed. “I don’t know what I’ll do without you!” 

“Shh, you’ll be fine.”

“But what will I do without you?”

“You’ll survive; you always have and you always will.”

For what seemed like eternity, Killian sobbed into his brother’s shoulder. It was great that Liam was so confident, but he certainly wasn’t. “Why did you do it?” he finally asked through hiccups.

Liam took a deep breath. “Remember what I’ve always told you: that a man unwilling to fight for what he wants deserves what he gets. This is what I want.”

“You want to die?” he snapped back.

“No, little brother—I want you to live.”

There was nothing more Killian could say to that, so they just held each other tight until their time was up.

“You’ll try to win, though, right?” Killian asked.

“Of course I will.”

Sniffling, Killian pulled off the chain that hung around his neck. “Here—take Mama’s ring, for protection.”

Liam took the antique—one of the few things they had left from their mother—and slipped it around his own neck. “I feel safer already,” he said, though Killian was old enough to know it was an empty platitude.

“I love you, Liam.”

“I love you too, little brother.”

Black Knights arrived to escort Liam to Olympus, and it took every ounce of reserve in Killian’s lanky body to not cling to him; but he followed as long as he could, and watched as Liam walked down the long hallway to the train depot, then out of sight.

He managed to hold it together until then, but the door leading outside had barely closed before Killian collapsed on a bench, sobbing again. What the bloody hell was he supposed to do? He had no family, no money...honestly, Liam should have just let him go and freed himself from the burden of a little brother.

“Is this seat taken?” An older voice startled Killian; he looked up, blinking through his tears, to see a vaguely familiar man standing over him.

“N-no; go ahead,” he stammered, then wiped his nose with his wet jacket.

The man sat down next to him and didn’t say anything for a bit; not until Killian had calmed down (which he’d really only done because he had company). But eventually, he spoke up. “It’s Killian, right?”

“Aye, sir.”

The man held out his hand. “I’m Nemo.”

Politely, Killian took it, and the name jogged his memory: Nemo was a past Victor, who he thought usually served as a mentor. “Aren’t you supposed to be going to Olympus?” he asked.

Nemo gave him a half smile, and there was sadness in his eyes. “Not this year. And it seems that you aren’t, either.”

“No,” Killian agreed in a small voice. 

“Forgive me if this is forward,” Nemo continued, “but I couldn’t help but notice your parents weren’t around today. They’re gone, aren’t they?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, seeing as neither of us have anywhere to be or anyone to be with, could I invite you to stay at my home for the duration of the games?”

Killian blinked; a Victor—who didn’t even know him—had just invited him to stay with him? “Why?” was all he could say.

Nemo chuckled. “I live alone in that big house, and I could use some company. Just until your brother gets back, of course.”

They both knew that promise was slightly hollow, and while pride and propriety should have insisted that Killian turn down the offer, he also hated the idea of spending the next few weeks (and however much after) on his own. “I...okay.”

“Okay?”

“Yeah.”

Nemo grinned, and stood; Killian wiped his face again and followed. “So, what’s your favorite food, m’boy?”

Looking back, there was no way Killian would have survived those weeks without Nemo. He made sure he had food; made sure he got his schoolwork done; and was there by his side each night when they had to watch the recap of the day’s events in Neverland. Nemo was the one who eased his fears on the first day, and all through the first week of the Games, as Liam managed to get into the top five; and Nemo was the one who held Killian as he watched Liam’s slow, painful, lonely death after a brush with the dreamshade plant.

Nemo was also there on the rainy day that the Black Knights turned over custody of Liam’s body to Killian when it came off the train.

“You can stay with me as long as you need, Killian,” Nemo had said solemnly after they buried Liam. Killian didn’t answer—didn’t even acknowledge the statement—he just...went with him. It was the closest thing he had to home anymore.

And he didn’t leave until the next time his name was drawn, six years later.

◇─◇──◇────◇────◇────◇────◇────◇─────◇──◇─◇

Present

Every ounce of self restraint that Killian possessed was in use as he stood on the other side of the door—and had been in use for the past few days, ever since the Reaping. His tributes were probably terrified of him, or at the very least worried for their lives (more than they already were), with his cool aloofness on the train journey to Olympus, even if Ariel, his co-mentor, assured them otherwise. 

He’d just been trying to rein his raging emotions long enough to get here. 

But now no one was answering his polite knock, or the buzz of the door chime on the electronic keypad outside, though he knew they were in there—tributes weren’t given free run of the castle that served as home base for the Games, and it wasn’t quite time for them to get ready for the parade. So why wasn’t he getting a reply from the Sherwood quarters?

Losing his patience, he banged on the door instead. That should get their attention. 

Finally, he heard steps approach the door, and saw the green light on the peephole that let him know he was being watched. The heavy bolt unlatched, but it somehow sounded reluctant and unhappy—much like the reception he knew he’d get from the person on the other side. 

“What are you doing here?” Eloise asked, annoyed, giving him a stern look with a hand on her hip. 

“Where is she?”

“Getting ready.” Her tone was aggravatingly nonchalant, and had been as long as he’d known her. 

“No, she’s not; don’t bloody lie to me. Where’s—“

“Papa?”

In the room beyond, Alice was standing and staring at him, still in the dress she’d been wearing at the Reaping. He knew Olympus’s stylists would doll her up and make her fit their standard of beauty, but he took a long moment—hopefully not the last—to memorize how she looked now: curly blonde hair framing her face, wide-eyed innocence in her blue eyes, and wrinkles in her skirt from where she’d been fidgeting with it. 

“Alice,” he said on a breath, then dodged around Eloise to bring her into his arms. She wrapped herself tight around him as he hugged her close, cradling the back of her head like he had when she was a babe. 

God, would he ever get to do this again?

He blinked back the tears pricking the corner of his eyes and continued to hold on until she said, in a small voice, “Papa, I’m so sorry.”

Sighing, he stepped back, but still held onto her shoulder. “Starfish, what the bloody hell were you thinking? You know what all this is like.”

“I know, but...I couldn’t let him go, Papa,” she said, sniffling a bit. “It’s like what Uncle Liam did. Nicholas...he’s too young; his mother needs him. And I...well, I…”

“If you think for one second that no one needs you, there are two people here who can tell you that you’re sorely wrong,” he refuted, brushing a falling tear from her cheek with his thumb, while mentally cursing the fact that she’d somehow inherited his brother’s bloody noble streak. “Alice, if I lost you, I…” gods, he couldn’t even voice it. He just pulled her back into his embrace, vaguely aware of the tears soaking his shirt (and not caring one bit).

He felt an electric charge on his back, where she was gripping his shirt. “Breathe, darling; breathe.” The last thing they needed was her magic setting itself loose and making her an easy target. He’d seen her do some amazing things with it, but now wasn’t the time. 

“Uh, am I missing something here?” another young voice asked; over Alice’s head, he could see that the other tribute had joined them; she looked to be about Alice’s age, and also incredibly confused.

“This is Killian Jones,” Eloise introduced. “He’s the mentor from Atlantica.”

“Yeah, I know that,” the girl replied. “My mom always swoons over him. But why is he here? And...doing that?”

“Because—” Eloise started, but Alice interrupted. 

“Because he’s my father,” she explained, stepping away. “And you can’t tell anyone, alright?”

The other girl gaped for a long moment, but then closed her mouth and nodded. “Wow; these Victor families are full of drama, huh?”

“Something like that,” Eloise muttered. That was all they needed to say for now. “Now, is that the only reason you came here, or is something else on your mind?”

It was a good thing they’d never actually been in a relationship, because it would have ended in spectacular fashion. “Actually, yes. I’ve spent the last two days trying to figure out just how I was going to be able to focus on protecting the tributes in my charge, when the one I’m the most worried about is here.”

“What, you don’t trust me?” she threw back. 

In all honesty, he didn’t; there was a reason Alice spent so much time with him. Letting that on would only make things worse, though. “Let’s be frank, Eloise: you don’t exactly have the best resources here. But if anyone were to catch onto me helping you, we’d be found out.”

“Oh, like that even matters anymore. Look at where we are, Jones; it’s past time to be worrying about sordid secrets.”

She had a point there. They’d only kept Alice’s paternity a secret to keep her out of the Games; so much for that. 

“But,” she continued, “if you want to form an alliance, I don’t think we’d be opposed.”

He couldn’t handle how calm she was about this. “I can suggest it to my tributes and hope they take it, but you know I can’t force it. I’ll do my best, though.”

“See that you do.”

He couldn’t hold back the roll of his eyes this time, but instead of picking another fight, he turned back to Alice. “I’ll try to find you again before you leave here; I promise,” he told her, then kissed her forehead. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Papa,” she said, and threw herself back at him. He let her hold on as long as she wanted—until Eloise said it was time to go. 

He just gave Alice another kiss on the cheek, then left the apartment; he didn’t want to see the cool indifference on Eloise’s face anymore. 

Letting the door slam behind him, he crossed the hallway to the elevator, punched the button for the ground floor, and as the door closed, leaned against the back wall and stared at his angry reflection in it. 

If anything happened to Alice—anything—her blood would be on Eloise’s hands. And there would be next to nothing he could do about it. 

He hated—hated—that so little of his life was under his control. It hadn’t taken him by surprise—he grew up with Nemo, after all—but he still loathed the hold Olympus had on him.

At least he could get a drink; the bar in the reception area would be open downstairs. Perhaps he could get one (or a few) in him before he had to make nice with anyone else. He wasn’t even in the mood for another Victor right now, even though that’s where he’d most likely find sympathy. 

So, of course, that’s when the elevator slowed a few floors too soon. He groaned. 

◇─◇──◇────◇────◇────◇────◇────◇─────◇──◇─◇

Emma was expecting an empty elevator when she rang for it, assuming she was the only one crazy enough to be heading down for parade stuff already. She could tell her tributes weren’t enthused with her inexperience and hoped that she could reassure them by arriving early. (Or, at the very least, shake off her own nerves.)

She was not anticipating running into a brooding Killian Jones. 

It took her aback at first—everyone knew who he was, Victor and citizen alike: the only person to survive being reaped twice. But seeing him up close in person was a bit of a shock. And honestly, he was even more attractive than he looked on screen, with his dark, tousled hair, neatly trimmed scruff, and bright blue eyes. 

Eyes that were now shooting daggers at her. “Are you hopping on or not?” he barked. 

Emma jumped, then scurried on; thankfully, he was headed down, too. The responsible part of her yelled that this would be a great networking opportunity, but the tense clench of his jaw and furrow of his brow told her not to say anything. The games hadn't even started; what was he already angry about? (Other than, you know, the entire concept. But they weren’t here to change the world.)

“Can I help you?” he growled, giving her a side-eyed glare; she jolted again at the realization she’d been gawking. 

“Sorry; it’s just...you're Killian Jones.”

He smirked back at her, but it didn’t reach his eyes—it looked almost rehearsed. “It’s always nice to make an impression.”

“I’m Emma; Emma—”

“—Nolan. I know.”

She just nodded; given how little time she’d spent in Olympus, she had no idea how well-known she was or was not.

“I also know that your mother taught you better than to stare at people.”

Wow, he was definitely in a mood, and it was making her bristle. “Yeah; she also taught me not to be a jerk to people you’ve just met. Didn’t yours?”

She regretted the words as soon as she said them; it was common knowledge that his parents were long gone. Emma didn’t exactly go seeking knowledge about fellow Victors, but when watching the games was mandatory, you picked up stuff along the way, even if he’d won several years before her. 

Briefly, fire gleamed in his eyes, sending a chill up her spine; the light glinting off the hook at the end of his left arm didn’t help. But then it dulled to something closer to resignation. 

“How did your parents do it?” he asked quietly.

“How did they do what?”

“How did they watch their only child march into the arena, knowing full well what it’s like in there, and that there was an incredibly high chance they’d never see you again?”

She swallowed; he definitely knew who she was, then. Where the hell had that question come from, though?

“I have no idea,” she answered quietly. Because she really didn’t—she hadn’t asked and she didn’t want to know. And the thought of ever having to do that was both impossible to imagine and her worst nightmare. 

He huffed and stared at the floor, shoulders slumped. It looked like he wanted to say something, but then a ding sounded as the elevator stopped. 

Killian pushed off the wall, leading with his hips, then took a few swaggering steps out of the lift. She started to follow, but then he turned back, still looking at the ground. 

“As you’re new, I should probably give you some advice,” he said. “It’s this: Don’t fuck up.”

And without another word, he headed off toward the bar. 

What the hell had that been?

Her magic started to lick at her edges in response to her elevated heart rate; she did her best to squeeze it back before leaving the elevator. 

But she was still mentally scratching her head when she reached the staging hallway for the parade; a line of chariots, each pulled by two sleek, white horses, was waiting for the tributes, though it would still be a while until the kids were done with the stylists and prep teams. Emma was never much for fashion, but was always curious to see what Olympus came up with—and was praying it wasn’t anything as bad as what she’d had to wear. Bark was not meant to be worn as a garment. 

Graham was already by their chariot, brushing one of the horses; they were the only ones there so far. “Hey,” she said casually as she walked up behind him, then looked for another brush so she could take care of the other steed. Nervousness was seeping back in and she needed something to do with her hands, lest an involuntary shower of sparks fall from them. 

He turned abruptly and pulled her close with his free arm. “Hello, darling,” he said softly, then pressed a kiss to her lips. She stiffened at first and almost recoiled until she remembered: everyone thought they were madly in love. And even if they didn’t have an audience, they knew better than to assume that no one was watching; the only place in the castle without cameras was each realm’s quarters. 

If she was being honest, that was a big part of why she’d avoided Olympus, almost as much as Henry was. Emma was not a talented actor; thank goodness Graham was. 

He at least gave her an apologetic look when he pulled back, then waved in the direction of the extra grooming tools. “Are the kids in good hands?” he asked as he went back to work.

“Good enough,” Emma shrugged, giving the other horse a gentle sweep of the brush. “I guess we’ll see in a bit. When do the other mentors show up?”

“Soonish,” he replied. After Emma’s games—which were only a couple years after his own victory—Graham had traded off mentoring with David every so often, so he wasn’t completely new; at least one of them had some idea of what they were supposed to do. 

“And then we try to make friends?”

“I suppose.” He peered at her over the neck of the horse; she averted his gaze by focusing on the one in front of her. “Why? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she lied, but she didn’t need to look up to know he was giving her a look of disbelief. “It’s just...is everyone like Killian Jones?”

“In what way?”

“I just met him on the elevator and he was...well, he was kind of a dick. I know not everyone is going to be how they seem from afar, but I thought he was supposed to be some charming ladykiller.”

“He wasn’t?”

“No; he was surly and told me not to, and I quote, ‘fuck up’.”

“He’s not wrong.”

Graham deftly dodged the brush she threw at him, laughing.

“Calm down; it’ll be fine,” he assured her, ducking around the horses to stand by her. “I haven’t spent much time with Jones, but he plays fair—I know that. So don’t let him get in your head. Let’s focus on getting through tonight first; alright?” He grabbed her hands and squeezed comfortingly; there was a bit of static at his touch, and she realized he was helping tamp down her magic—again. Fuck, this was gonna be hard.

“Alright,” she sighed, but Killian had really just been voicing her own fears. It wasn’t that easy to shake them. 

“So, were his eyes as blue as everyone says?”

She snorted and rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I guess.”

“Prettier than mine?”

“Eh, different kind of blue.”

He placed a hand on his chest and gasped in mock offense. So she tickled his side in response. Even if they weren’t romantically involved, he was still her best friend, and she was glad he was here with her. 

(But she wasn’t going to tell him the other thing she was thinking about: just how good it looked when Killian walked away. He might be an ass, but damn did he have one.)

They went back to brushing the already-gleaming coats of the horses, and Graham introduced her to some of the other mentors as they trickled in, even if she already had the general idea of who they were: Belle and Archie from Arendelle; Jasmine and Cyrus from Agrabah; Mulan from Erebor; Eloise from Sherwood; and Ariel from Atlantica, who was the polar opposite of her partner. Emma took an immediate liking to her—and the way Graham blushed when she placed a friendly peck on his cheek before running her bubbly self off. 

“I see that,” Emma teased, which just made him blush harder. 

“Piss off; she’s married.” Still—it was cute, but also a sharp reminder of what he’d given up when he entered the lie their lives had become. 

Thankfully, their tributes arrived then, to distract her from any further sulking. Tamara and August at least weren’t wearing actual wood this year, but when your realm was also known as the Enchanted Forest—and responsible for most of Pomem’s lumber production—it was hard to get away from either looking like a tree or a lumberjack. 

The stylists had gone with the former this year, weaving leaves through the kids’ hair and putting them in beaded brown jumpsuits. Not awe-inspiring, but not terrible. The tributes still seemed uncomfortable, though, and Tamara was clearly trying to avoid moving too much and damaging it. It was definitely the nicest, most expensive thing either kid had ever worn—something Emma tried not to think about too much, because she’d only get more upset at everything. 

They got the kids settled in their chariot and then headed to their seats in the stadium that held the opening ceremonies. An entire building that they only used three days a year; ridiculous. 

Misthaven’s escort, Tink, was already at their assigned seats and waved them over. For someone from Olympus, she was...tolerable. Possibly immortal, too—she’d been the escort when Graham won his Games, but somehow looked younger than Emma. Just another example of Olympus’s fixation on youth and beauty, probably, aided by their scientific advancements that bordered on magical (which was another irony Emma hated thinking about). 

“Don’t the tributes just look fabulous?” she gushed as they sat down. “Probably the best yet from Misthaven!”

“Yeah, I think so,” Emma halfheartedly agreed (which wasn’t saying much—and she was pointedly ignoring whatever that said about her own looks).

“Oh, the parade is always my favorite,” Tink sighed happily.

From Emma’s memory, it was only the least stressful part. But again: bark itches.

Graham continued to introduce her to people—even the new head gamemaker, Jefferson Hatter, who was in his first year of designing the Games—until the house lights went down, leaving just the ones on the track at the center of the stadium.

Overhead, the voice of Sidney Glass, perennial event host, announced the start of the parade, and then the first chariot appeared with the tributes from Agrabah.

Ideally, the costumes the tributes wore had something to do with each realm’s chief industry; as the primary supplier of energy for Pomem, the kids from Agrabah wore costumes that lit up. Not original, but it worked. Over the course of 99 years, Emma figured some ideas were bound to be recycled.

The rest of the realms followed, in no particular order. Next was Stormhold, known for its agriculture; then Arendelle, the technological hub of Pomem. The Misthaven tributes were fairly well received, but the most enthusiasm definitely came from Tink. DunBroch’s tributes were almost identical to Stormhold’s, given that they were just a different kind of farmer (livestock); and Erebor’s tribute to mining was just confusing. The kids from Atlantica were dressed like mermaids; Emma doubted their fishermen found too many of those nowadays. Oz almost always wore something green and military, this year being no exception; and Phrygia was stereotypically covered in gold, being both the richest realm and the supplier of luxury items (that obviously only went to Olympus).

Sherwood brought up the rear, which honestly sucked for them, being the poorest realm, and likely meant the parade would end on an anticlimactic note; it was all about the spectacle, after all. But this year—wow. For the first time in the parade, Emma was actually invested. The realm was known for its textiles, and finally, someone in Olympus had put that to use. The girls wore absolutely stunning gowns, with capes somehow floating behind them that seemed to mimic cottony clouds. The tributes were holding hands and absolutely beaming at the audience, who was lapping it up. Even the rest of the mentors, Emma noticed, were staring in rapt attention; hell, it looked like Killian was crying (maybe he wasn’t such an ass, then). 

“Well, that just complicated things,” Graham muttered as the chariot retreated.

“How so?”

“After a presentation like that, everyone is going to want to sponsor them.”

He was right, she knew. Which just made their job that much harder. 

She cut her palms with her nails with how hard she was squeezing her fists to drown the sparks.

◇─◇──◇────◇────◇────◇────◇────◇─────◇──◇─◇

Alice’s heart was absolutely racing. To be fair, it had been like that pretty much ever since she stepped forward back in Sherwood, aside from when she was asleep. But now, during the parade? Faster than a rabbit.

Not because of the crowd, though that was indescribable.

Not because of her dress, even if it was gorgeous; Tiger Lily, their stylist, had done an incredible job.

And not because of the image of her mother on one of the stadium’s screens, actually almost smiling. That never happened.

No; it was because she was holding hands with Robyn. And Robyn was also smiling at her.

God, this was terribly inconvenient. But if they didn’t have a ton of time left, then she was going to enjoy it, even if she was still too embarrassed to let on her crush. She just really hoped she could keep enough control to not burn Robyn’s hand with the sparks of her magic.

◇─◇──◇────◇────◇────◇────◇────◇─────◇──◇─◇

The first day in the tribute training center was done, and the Atlantica kids were waiting for dinner back in their quarters with their mentors. It was only the first day, he knew, but Killian didn’t like their chances this year. He’d never let that on to the teenagers, though; they were nervous enough as it was. Even in their lodgings, where they had the chance to relax and indulge in the luxuries that were standard in Olympus, they seemed on edge. Killian couldn’t decide, though, if it was due to the fact that they were being treated to more opulence than they’d ever seen before (although spartan by Olympus standards, the Tribute Castle was a literal palace compared to the seaside villages in Atlantica) or just the overall anxiety of the situation; he remembered feeling overwhelmed by both during his games.

It wasn’t that he didn’t think their tributes had what it took—the boy, William, was a decent fighter and clever, and the girl, Ursula, had a fierce streak that seemed to be a mile long. The whole point of the training center was to learn fighting and survival skills to use in the Arena. Most realms took advantage of it, and he could see that the kids were learning; but the tributes from Phrygia and Oz—who train year-round for the games, even though that was technically illegal—just used it as an opportunity to intimidate the others. Thankfully, Alice and Robyn were looking good, as well; it turned out Robyn was an excellent shot with a bow. (And, even better, Alice was managing to keep her magic under wraps.)

As they waited for the meal, Killian and Ariel began to discuss strategy with the tributes. Ariel was the first tribute he mentored who’d gone on to win. On the surface, she seemed sweet and demure; but when she had a trident in her hands, she was downright scary.  

“It’s not a bad idea to form an alliance early on. It can really help you get farther in the games,” Ariel said. “Were there any tributes you noticed today that you’d want to work with? We can talk to their mentors and set something up.”

“Actually, yeah,” William said. “The pair from Misthaven—Ursula and I talked to them a bit, and they seemed pretty cool.” Ursula nodded in agreement.

“That’s actually pretty smart,” Ariel said, looking over at Killian. “Misthaven is forest, we’re water; that covers almost every arena scenario.”

“Aye, that it does. Good thinking, Will,” Killian said with a small smile. “It looked like the pair from Sherwood had a pretty good grasp on things, too.” 

“Yeah, maybe,” Ursula answered, though she sounded less than enthused at the idea. Ariel cast him a very knowing look; she was one of the few people aware of the situation, and had spent several hours on the train giving him a good, long hug. He could say she was his best friend, but the truth was, she was really one of his only ones—though she didn’t let that hold her back from saying the same about him.

(They had once very briefly discussed the idea of more; but after he lost his first love, he was pretty sure his heart didn’t work that way anymore, and then she met a handsome, sweet fisherman named Eric and that was that.)

“Just let us know, and we’ll talk to the Misthaven mentors tomorrow, or whoever else,” Ariel told the kids. 

They glanced at each other, nodding, and Ursula said, “Yeah, we’d like that.” 

“It’s a plan!” she exclaimed, then turned to Killian. “Do you want to talk to them, or should I?”

A general feeling of shame washed over him. “Uh, you should probably do that. I’m not sure I’d be the best one to make a case.”

She crossed her arms and gave him another look that reminded him just how well she knew him. “What did you do?”

“What makes you think I did anything? You wound me, mermaid,” he threw back, using the nickname he knew she hated (but would never live down on account of her strong swimming abilities—skills that helped her survive her games). 

She just raised her eyebrows at him, unamused.

He sighed. “Let’s just say I got off on the wrong foot with Ms. Nolan and it’d probably be best if you headed that charge. I can handle anyone else.”

“Alright. I expect the full story later, though,” she warned, and likely only stopped persisting because of the arrival of dinner. Honestly, it was like having a little sister sometimes.

Down at the training center the next day, he saw his tributes approach the pair from Misthaven, and the little group stuck together, showing each other skills they had learned in their respective homes. He surveyed the rest of the room to see what others were doing (though it was a bit hard to distinguish them when everyone was wearing the same games-issued black top and pants). Phrygia and Oz were already in a pack, as could be assumed, and he watched Robyn continuing to work with an archery instructor; his brow furrowed when she nailed the center of the target. If she was forming a strong partnership with Alice, it was good; otherwise...he didn’t want to think about it. 

Alice herself was learning how to set snares with rope; he’d taught her how to tie all the sailor’s knots he could, so it was no surprise she was having success there.

“Well, at least that seems to be going good,” Ariel commented as she stepped up to his side. “Sorry they weren’t receptive to your idea.”

“It was a longshot,” he answered, a bit more resigned than he probably should have sounded.

“How do you think she’ll do?” A glance told him she was looking at Alice, too.

“Honestly...I have no idea.” More Victor’s children died in the games than won; Emma Nolan was definitely an anomaly. He’d love to be able to pick her brain, or Graham’s (he was Emma’s mentor, if he recalled correctly), but that might give away too much. 

“Well, she’s definitely resourceful,” Ariel continued. “If anyone can win out of sheer ingenuity and stubbornness, it’s her.” Despite his worry, he had to chuckle at that assessment; Ariel was probably right.

Movement at the other end of the room caught his eye; Emma and Graham had arrived. He nodded in that direction, saying, “Looks like you’re up, mermaid.”

She gently punched him in the shoulder. “Wish me luck.”

“You don’t need it.” If anyone could establish an alliance, it was Ariel and her effervescent optimism. 

She rolled her eyes at him, but smiled nonetheless and then headed over to their hopeful teammates.

In the meantime, Killian fixed his eyes back on Alice, and racked his brain: he had to find a way to help her win. He had to.

◇─◇──◇────◇────◇────◇────◇────◇─────◇──◇─◇

Everything was abuzz in the training center in the hour or so leading up to the start of the Games. The interviews were done, tribute scores had been given, and the kids all said their goodbyes before being whisked away to the Arena, somewhere in the expanse of Neverland surrounding Olympus. 

The training center had been transformed overnight, almost magically; Emma didn’t even recognize it when she walked in. Gone were the weightlifting equipment and educational stations; while she wouldn’t exactly call it cozy now, it certainly had all the necessary amenities: food, lots of plush seating, and screens everywhere. Along one wall, the largest screen displayed a map of the arena, with glowing dots indicating each tribute’s location; they were all still in a perfect ring in the middle. The myriad other screens across the room were focused on each tribute, in addition to panoramas of the forested arena and its central lake. If it wasn’t about to be the setting of so much death, Emma might have found it beautiful.

Saying goodbye to Tamara and August had been tough; trying to keep them alive would be harder.

“We’ve got this,” Graham murmured, squeezing her hand in encouragement. As if the task ahead of them wasn’t enough, she also had to keep up that charade, too.

“I fucking hope so.”

He tried to give her a stern look for her language, but it didn’t last long before melting into a grin. “Well, shall we join our alliance mates?” he asked, nodding to his right.

Off to the side, Ariel and Killian were standing, chatting with each other. The proposal shocked Emma, but it was hard to say no when two experienced mentors approached like that. It was hard to say no to Ariel, too—especially for Graham.

But Killian...she still wasn’t sure on.

“Yeah, let’s do this,” she answered.

Ariel, unsurprisingly, greeted them with a huge grin and massive hugs. Killian offered his hand to Graham, giving it a firm shake, before turning to Emma. 

“I, uh, I owe you an apology for our first meeting, lass,” he said solemnly, eyes cast down. “Unfortunately, the Games have a habit of doing that sometimes.”

“I get it,” she answered. It was more of an apology than she had expected to get. “Think you can teach me how to avoid that happening here?”

“I can try,” he shrugged; that was probably a tall request on her part.

“Works for me. To an alliance?” She offered her hand to him.

He gently took it in his. “To an alliance.” Then, to her shock, he brought it to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on the back of it. She was definitely gaping again, but the intense way he was staring made it hard to look away. No wonder he had such a scoundrel reputation.

The moment was broken by an announcement: “Tributes, to your starting positions; the Games begin in one minute.” Sidney Glass was apparently ready; guess they better be, too.

They all turned their attention to the screens, glancing around to find their tributes. Graham quickly located theirs, which gave Emma a few extra moments to glance around and see what everyone else was doing. 

Ariel, too, was focused on the screens with Atlantica’s tributes, but Killian’s attention was elsewhere—at Eloise, oddly enough. The woman was staring back at him, then gave him a nod before looking up. Huh; that was odd—but Emma could worry over what that was about later.

“Forty-five seconds,” Glass called out, and the platforms the tributes were standing on rose up into the Arena.

“Thirty seconds.” The platforms came into place, and everyone, tribute and mentor alike, got their first view of the Arena. Emma saw lots of trees—perfect for a kid from Misthaven.

“Fifteen seconds.” Graham found her hand again; this time, she was the one squeezing—both to anchor her emotions and to quell the sparks of magic that were threatening to escape.

“Ten.” Her eyes began to dart around in nervousness—just like they had when she was the one standing on that platform.

“Nine, eight...” Graham’s eyes were glued to the screen.

“Seven, six…” So were Ariel’s.

“Five, four…” Killian’s were, too…

“Three, two…” ...but why was he looking at the girl from Sherwood? (And why did it make her think of the rest of their conversation in the elevator?)

“One.” Emma’s gaze darted back to her own screens and she clenched her fists.

“Let the games begin, and remember: All Magic Comes With A Price!”

◇─◇──◇────◇────◇────◇────◇────◇─────◇──◇─◇

thanks so much for reading! tagging some peeps  @kat2609​​ @thesschesthair​​ @xpumpkindumplingx​​ @shipsxahoy​​ @amortentia-on-the-rocks​​ @mryddinwilt​​ @cocohook38​​ @annytecture​​ @wingedlioness​​ @word-bug​​ @distant-rose​​ @wellhellotragic​​ @welllpthisishappening​​ @let-it-raines​​ @pirateherokillian​​ @its-imperator-furiosa​​ @killianmesmalls​​ @sherlockianwhovian​​ @ineffablecolors​​ @laschatzi​​ @ive-always-been-a-pirate​​ @nfbagelperson​​ @stubblesandwich​​​ @killian-whump​​​ @phiralovesloki​​ @athenascarlet​​ @ilovemesomekillianjones​​ @whimsicallyenchantedrose​​ @snowbellewells​​ @idristardis​​ @scientificapricot​​ @searchingwardrobes​

[incorrectunrulyprincesses]

A Sister is a Friend for Life

"Ember?"

"Yes, Rozzie?"

"Are we ever gonna end up like Mummy and Aunt Mirana?"

Ember closed the book she was reading at the question her little sister had just asked. It had been less than a year since their mother and aunt had allegedly made up for the "tart incident" and decided to co-rule Underland as two different kingdoms, but the two queens were back at each other's throats again, and threats of war were being made, but it was unlikely that either sister would make good on her threat without her respective champion in the picture.

The question was absurd of course. Just because Ember was a redhead and Rosalind was a blonde and the two princesses were almost three years apart like Iracebeth and Mirana didn't mean anything. Rosalind was a naturally anxious person who tended to perseverate on the strangest of notions once they entered her mind.

"Sis, you know that's never going to happen."

"What about if we end up like the Aunties?" Rosalind persisted, referring to their three godmothers, the Sanderson Sisters. "Auntie Winnie always says she only likes Auntie Mary and Auntie Sarah because they're sisters and she has to like them."

"Are you serious!? No I don't only like you because you're my sister! You've been my best friend since you were old enough to speak!"

"Really?" Rosalind asked.

"Yeah. I remember the day you were born. I mean I wasn't even three yet, but I'll never forget."

"You were there?" Rosalind asked.

"Well I was there when Mum's water broke and she forced me to stay in the room to support her even though I was only a toddler. It was kind of a big deal. She threw your father out of the room. Not that he cared. He went out to pick a bar fight in town after she started screaming at him."

Ros "What happened then?"

Ember sat up on her bench in the rose garden to tell her sister the story "Well, it was a dark and stormy night in September. Mum was almost three weeks late when her water finally broke. I'm pretty sure the whole kingdom could hear her scream…"

Iracebeth gritted her teeth against the pain as she attempted to sit up in bed. Her contractions started almost four days ago and she was finally fully dilated. This time was nothing like what she remembered of Emberess's birth. This child wasn't planned, but from the moment she knew of its existence, she was hell bent on protecting it, even going so far as to kill her husband to keep him from finding out she had cheated on him a second time.

Emberess on the other hand was only a toddler and was seated on the bed next to her mother, watching bewildered as Iracebeth writhed in agony. She insisted her daughter, the only person she considered family at this point, be present to support her in Stayne's absence. The little girl absently wiped her mother's flushed face with wet rags. The only other sounds in the castle besides the queen's blood-curdling screams was the pounding of rain against the windows. In utter frustration, she ripped one of the heart shaped throw pillows on the bed in two and threw it at one of the midwives, who knew better than to answer back. A younger, less experienced midwife had made the mistake of telling Iracebeth to breathe and received a slap across the face that left a red handprint on her cheek.

"Don't you fucking dare tell me what to do! I'm the fucking queen, not you!" she roared. Iracebeth was normally too well bred to swear, but at this point, all bets were off and if she wanted to talk like a tavern whore, that was her right.

"Fuck!" Ember repeated innocently. Her mother was too distracted to reprimand her two year old for parroting her choice word, and instead chose to lash out at the army of midwives at her disposal.

"You're inept! You're all inept!" she shouted. "Especially Stayne, the bloody stupid fucking bastard deadbeat cunt…what the devil is going on down there!?"

"You're about ready to push, your Majesty." one of the women spoke up.

"I'll push you in a minute, you ignorant bunter!" Iracebeth snapped as a flash of lightning struck outside the castle, digging her nails into the sides of her heart shaped bed. Suddenly she felt a sharp lurch in her womb as she pushed for the first time.

"What the bloody hell was that?" she demanded. "I just felt something!"

"It's crowning…" the midwife positioned between Iracebeth's thighs assured, then frowned. "This can't be right, I see a foot. I think your baby did a flip in the womb."

"Oh that's just bloody fantastic!" Iracebeth snapped sarcastically. She used all the rage and frustration at these idiots placed in charge of the well being of herself and her child, not to mention her irritation at the child's absent father who was probably off trying to pick a bar fight at the moment, to push the baby out to its hips, all the while screaming bloody murder.

"It's a girl" the midwife shouted.

"Thank fuck!" shouted Iracebeth. She didn't even want to think about having a miniature Stayne running around the castle. She finally managed to expel the baby, but unlike Ember when she was born, the new princess was silent.

"What's wrong with my daughter!?" she shouted, falling back against the pillows as the wench she slapped cut the cord, which was wrapped around the baby's neck. The baby took in a sharp breath of air and shrieked. "She's got a set of lungs on her. " remarked the midwife, handing her off to her mother. "And a lovely head of hair as well. A pretty little blonde."

Iracebeth lay back against the pillows, exhausted, holding the new baby. The nurses were right, she had little wisps of hair like pure gold thread slicked against her scalp. Iracebeth couldn't help but think of her mother at that moment. She undid her nightgown and let her daughter suck. Ember watched with rapt attention. "Emberess, meet your little sister, Rosalind." Iracebeth chose the name because it meant "beautiful rose" in Latin. For a moment, she feared the two princesses wouldn't get along. Ember seemed indifferent to the news of getting a sibling as she was about Mirana and she didn't want a repeat of what happened between them. Neither daughter was planned, but both would be well loved.

"Mummy? May I hold her?" Ember asked her mother, and all of Iracebeth's fears of sibling rivalry between her two beautiful bastard girls vanished.

"Yes, darling, of course. But be gentle, she's very delicate." Emberess crossed her arms, mimicking her mother and held her sister. "Hi little Rozzie," she cooed. "I'm your big sister and I love you." baby Rosalind giggled and reached for her sister's finger.

"Wow…" was all Rosalind could manage after Ember's story.

"Yeah, that's why I'm never having children." Ember laughed.

"I don't know, sis. What happens when you become queen, though? I'll probably be married off to some stranger."

"I thought of that, sissy." Ember said, smiling warmly. "I asked Mum that when I take the throne, you and I can co rule. And it'll obviously work better than the current situation because we get along. She liked the idea too."

"You did that for me?" Rosalind asked.

"I'm not losing my best friend to some idiot from another kingdom." she said,

"I love you sissy." Rosalind wrapped Ember into a tight hug, then looked her in the eye with a deadly serious expression. "But can I ask you one more favor?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I stay in the castle with you and not live in Marmoreal?" Ember laughed.

"Of course."

[sterisladrian]

fjord: a Critical Role playlist

the tracklist:

news from nowhere/graeme james

another new world/punch brothers

come away to the water/maroon 5 & rozzi

blue lips/regina spektor

it’s all part of the plan/punch brothers

sea legs/the ballroom thieves

ghost of a king/the gray havens

in dreams/ben howard

he’s a pirate/klaus badelt

ocean’s daughter/the brother brothers

deep water/american authors

dante’s prayer/meav ni mhaolchatha

eustace scrubb/sarah sparks

let the river in/dotan

reborn/benjamin james

my other M9 playlists: caleb widogast (x) caduceus clay (x) beauregard lionett (x) nott the brave (x)

song explanations below the cut (spoilers for campaign 2)

news from nowhere/graeme james “he'd nothing to his name but the wind and the waves at his feet/with a word he knew the water and the water knew his heart” a young fjord, unsure of his purpose, becomes a sailor under the tutelage of vandren and discovers his love for the sea another new world/punch brothers “and I won't call it rescue/that brought me back here to the old world to drink and decline/and pretend that the search for another new world was well worth the burning of mine” an ill-fated voyage: fjord’s final voyage with vandren leads to the destruction of his life as he knew it  come away to the water/maroon 5 & rozzi “come away little lamb, come away to the water/give yourself so we might live anew” on the verge of drowning, fjord makes a bargain to save his life--but it comes with a price blue lips/regina spektor “he stumbled into faith and thought/god this is all there is” fjord, in over his head with his newfound power, surrounded by the blue of the ocean it’s all part of the plan/punch brothers “this is all part of the plan/look I'm a god more than a man/now I'm a god I don't give a damn about my soul” trying to resolve the cognitive dissonance of the bargain he’s made and uk’otoa’s unspoken desires; trying to maintain a facade of confidence sea legs/the ballroom thieves “and if risk leads to ruin/my heart would forgive me” the fallout of the encounter with the iron shepherds; shaken and uncertain, fjord trying to regain his sea legs ghost of a king/the gray havens “and then we came upon a golden shore/but the voice of fire/wasn't coming from a ghost no more/my heart of stone came alive” visions of power on the sea; the danger and allure of uk’otoa in dreams/ben howard “always a riddle in the world she says/always a riddle inside my head/always a thing to wonder the way we come to be” finding a mirror in avantika; the dreams from uk’otoa that follow them both he’s a pirate/klaus badelt fjord tusktooth, captain of the Ball Eater ocean’s daughter/the brother brothers “mother of the ocean, mother of the sea/I tried to drink your water but it only left me thirsty/and I try and try and try and try again/the tide, it pulls me out and pulls me in” with avantika gone and uk’otoa’s demands growing stronger, fjord’s path forward is anything but clear deep water/american authors “when it pulls me under, will you make me stronger/will you be my breath through the deep, deep water” fjord is beginning to seek out help wherever he can, relying on the mighty nein to help him dante’s prayer/meav ni mhaolchatha “cast your eyes on the ocean/cast your soul to the sea/when the dark night seems endless/please, remember me” fjord’s dark night of the soul; finding solace in the sea when his power has left him and beginning to find strength in new faith eustace scrubb/sarah sparks “I tried to change my appearance but I am not changed/I'm just tired/I tried to heal myself long before I met your gaze/at the water” fjord’s appeal to the wildmother; the breakdown and willingness to be changed let the river in/dotan “the coldest night came in the spring/the final frost was laid again” a leap of faith and a meditation on a mountainside; fjord giving himself over to the wildmother’s power and grace reborn/benjamin james  “the warmth will bring you peace/as you treasure your own love/and lift you from the weight/that’s been filling up your lungs” “Will you walk my lands, swim my shores, and guide my children as one of my own?” fjord, reborn as a paladin of the wildmother

[iicewitch]

of frost and incantations

a gencore playlist. idea by @glitchedwitch​

listen: here on spotify

tracklist:

Seventeen by MARINA Drumming Song by Florence + The Machine Inexplicable by The Correspondents Wriggle by Cosmo Sheldrake Build God, Then We’ll Talk by Panic! At the Disco Policy of Truth by Depeche Mode Are you Satisfied? by MARINA What the Water Gave Me by Florence + The Machine Hermit the Frog by MARINA O my Heart by Mother Mother Under My Skin by Jukebox the Ghost & by Tally Hall Princess by tophamhatkyo Sticks and Stones by The Pierces Donut Hole by Hachi American Beauty/American Psycho by Fall Out Boy Volatile Times by IAMX Angry Sea by Mother Mother Guilty by MARINA No One LIvers Forever by Oingo Boingo Come Away To The Water by Maroon 5 and Rozzi Nobody by Mitski

important lyrics to me for each song under read more:

SEVENTEEN 

Could never tell you what happened The day I turned seventeen The rise of a king and the fall of a queen, oh

Never felt like a princess I used to kill myself in this dress That it was just how things Were meant to be Oh, seventeen DRUMMING SONG

But as the water fills my mouth It couldn't wash the echoes out But as the water fills my mouth It couldn't wash the echoes out I swallow the sound and it swallows me whole Until there's nothing left inside my soul As empty as that beating drum But the song has just begun

INEXPLICABLE

Inexplicably high Inexplicably low I think I know what I want, but I don't know where to go And all the while it seems that I'm living in my dreams I'm not in the know (Not in the know) No, not in the know

WRIGGLE

Say there, the jug or the hare? The lift or the stairs? Which will it be for you? How now, big brown cow? The bow or the bough? The spade or the plough for you?

But where will we go When the bell, it tolls for me? Both you and I know When it tolls, well, it tolls for thee

BUILD GOD AND THEN WE’LL TALK

Moonlighting aside, she really needs his money Oh, wonderful caricature of intimacy

There are no... Raindrops on roses and girls in white dresses It's sleeping with roaches and taking best guesses At the shade of the sheets and before all the stains And a few more of your least favorite things

POLICY OF TRUTH

You'll see your problems multiplied If you continually decide To faithfully pursue The policy of truth

You had something to hide Should have hidden it, shouldn't you? Now you're not satisfied With what you're being put through

ARE YOU SATISFIED?

Sad inside, in this life Unsatisfied, praying Sad inside, in this life Unsatisfied, waiting

'Cause it's my problem if I wanna pack up and run away It's my business if I feel the need to smoke and drink and sway It's my problem, it's my problem if I feel the need to hide And it's my problem if I have no friends and feel I want to die It's my problem, it's my problem on how fast I will succeed WHAT THE WATER GAVE ME And oh, poor Atlas The world’s a beast of a burden You’ve been holding on a long time

Because they took your loved ones But returned them in exchange for you But would you have it any other way? Would you have it any other way? You couldn't have it any other way

HERMIT THE FROG

They call him Hermit the Frog He's looking for a dog Did you find your bitch in me? Oh, you're abominable socially You're just a little bit too much like me Yeah, I feel I'm watered down Whenever he's around I put on the crown of clowns And melt slowly to the ground When my heart just burst like a glass balloon I let it fly too high and it shattered too soon I was the wrong damn girl in the wrong damn room O MY HEART

Oh my heart, it's so damn so cold So damn cold

And I throw my heart into the fire 'Cause I want to set my heart on fire And I watch it try, befriending embers But the ice don't melt in mid-December

UNDER MY SKIN

I can fit two people under my skin Yeah, I can fit two people under my skin And I will prove it if you will listen You crawled up in there, you joined me within

Well, oh no, not a chance in hell Yeah, I've heard you sing, but it ain't too well Heartfelt, yeah,, you meant so well But your song's no good 'round here

&

You hate each other & you love yourselves It might be heaven & it might be hell Oh the things we do The things we say Oh the things we wish we could wash away Weak & Strong & Wet & Dry & Right & Wrong & Live & Die & Sane & Gone & Love & Not & All the &s that we forgot Princess Two-faced princess causing a ruckus in the community’s circle A psychopath wearing a harmless mask. It’s me! Tired of superficial love Don’t try to control me I’m not your fucking puppet! I have the wings of both an angel and a devil.

STICKS AND STONES

Sun in the sky I am stopping you from burning All we need is stars and moon Clock on the wall I will keep your hands from turning Or this night will end too soon

And I could tell you a witch’s spell But you just might blow your top Then you start to run just as I’m having fun And it’s awfully hard to stop

DONUT HOLE

Not knowing anything at all Well that won’t hurt you will it? Even still, it robs me of sleep. And if you found out I bet you’d laugh I can’t hope on, things that have passed So just give me a figure to bury for certain

AMERICAN BEAUTY / AMERICAN PSYCHO

You take the full, full truth, then you pour some out And as we're drifting off to sleep All those dirty thoughts of me They were never yours to keep, keep, whoa

Us, we were pity sex, nothing more and nothing less

VOLATILE TIMES

I imagine all the brutal services Of ancient infidels Of all the wounded and the crying witches

Goodbye my friends Goodbye to the money Adieu to the fuckers that think that it's funny

Every book is read and I'm paralyzed Every fist is clenched, but I'm so tired

ANGRY SEA

I don't want the same disease That everybody's got these days I don't wanna live that way I do not wanna live in pain

It's coming like a big freight train It's spreading like a wild flame You know it's coming all our ways So dig your dirt and make your grave Mamma save me, come on and vaccinate me

GUILTY

Guilty on the run, and I know what I have done Guilty on the run, and I'm never forgiven I was just a kid that you could not forgive because it's harder I was just a kid and all I really wanted was my father

Spent years singing to forget (To forget) I spent years singing "no regret" Then suddenly, it all becomes clear I've been sorry all these years

NO ONE LIVES FOREVER

No one beats him at his game For very long, but just the same Who cares; there's no place safe to hide Nowhere to run—no time to cry So celebrate while you still can 'Cause any second, it may end

COME AWAY TO THE WATER

Come away little lamb Come away to the water To the arms that are waiting only for you Come away little lamb come away to the slaughter To the one appointed to see this through We are calling for you We are coming for you

NOBODY

I just want somebody near me Guess I'm a coward I just want to feel alright And I know no one will save me

I've been big and small and Big and small and Big and small again And still nobody wants me Still nobody wants me

[nogreatillusion]

I realize it’s March, but I never got around to posting about my favorite songs of 2018, so I’m doing it now. For the record, these are not necessarily songs released in 2018 -- just the ones I fell in love with over the course of the year.

(2017 list is here, 2016 is here.)

All My Shades of Blue -- Ruen Brothers

This sounds like a gem you’d discover on a $1 vintage record you found in some basement shop. The chorus is so gorgeously yearning!

Boys - Nevada Remix -- Charli XCX

Listen to this one like the protagonist in a teen movie: lying on your bed, propped up on your elbows, swinging your legs, chewing gum and chatting to your best friend on your candy-pink landline. 

Follow Your Fire -- Kodaline

Play this in the car on a rainy drive at night, make up dance moves to the lyrics, shriek along to the satisfyingly piercing chorus.

Godzilla -- Kesha

I love sweet, stripped down, whimsical Kesha! I would listen to an entire album in this style. “I try to explain that he’s mostly tame, as long as there’s pizza and video games.”

Good Kisser -- Lake Street Dive

Sassy, finger-snapping, and beltable. 

H.O.L.Y. -- Alle Farben, Rhodes

One of those songs that just fills me up with joy and puts a spring in my step. Would recommend for the acronym alone.

Hearts Ain’t Gonna Lie -- Arlissa, Jonas Blue

An upbeat breakup jam. “We’re half of the same. Don’t take that the wrong way.” 

High Five -- Sigrid

Went through a phase where I only wanted to listen to this on repeat. A salty, stinging anthem. Sing it to the next man you meet who doesn't know what it means to be emotionally vulnerable.

I Know a Place (acoustic) -- MUNA

So tender! So hopeful! “Don’t you be afraid of love and affection.”

Irene -- Courtney Marie Andrews

A folksy, twangy, kindly cautionary song. Feels like your southern aunt had a 3rd glass of wine and started giving you honest advice.

Katie Queen of Tennessee -- The Apache Relay

Romantic and boppy, like old Belle & Sebastian. 

Lonely -- MATOMA, Max

Accusatory and fun! 

Make Me Feel - EDX Dubai Skyline Remix -- Janelle Monae, EDX

Music to gloss your lips to. Change your outfit six times. Wink at yourself in the mirror.

Marianne -- Mipso

Mournful fiddle pop should be its own genre.

Never Over You -- Rozzi

Powerful and gut-punching. Turn this up and belt it. 

Normal -- Sasha Sloan

Anthem for lonely, 22-year-old girls drowning their sorrows in cheap vodka at a stranger’s party (and those who remember being one). 

Olalla -- Blanco White

Pretty and plaintive. 

Paradise -- Odessa

A charmingly retro ditty. Sounds like milkshakes and hair ribbons. 

Pool Party -- Julia Jacklin

This one’s a slow burn, achy and thoughtful. I catch myself singing this at quiet moments. 

S.O.B. -- Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats

A raucous, stomping, whiskey shot of a song. 

Something American -- Jade Bird

Pleading, anguished, and vulnerable. 

Still the One -- Ingrid Michaelson

A jump-rope beat and sweet lyrics.

Think Before I Talk - Cahill Remix -- Astrid S, Cahill

A party jam for those of us who seem to have no control over what comes out of our mouths. “I know that I should think before I speak, cause I’m saying things that I don’t even mean. Maybe I’m more honest than I wanna be.”

[onestowatch]

25 Game of Thrones-Obsessed Artists Predicted the Fate of Westeros

Photo Credit: Alyssa Yung

Before you continue reading, here’s your *SPOILER ALERT*!

With only one grueling week until the highly-anticipated Game of Thrones finale, we’re dying to know the fate of Westeros. Will Arya’s white horse lead her to victory? Will Sansa prove herself worthy of being the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms? Will Daenerys cease her Mad King rampage? Will Jon Snow turn against his queen and save what’s left amidst the ashy ruins? 

Only time will tell… but in the meantime, we asked 25 of your favorite artists, who just so happen to be ultimate Game of Thrones fans, who they predicted would’ve taken the infamous Iron Throne before it burnt down in flames. Keep reading for responses from DOROTHY, flor, Jacob Banks, Rhye (who is apparently a fortune teller), and many more!

Ayelle

"I think (hope) Arya will end up on the Iron Throne, simply because she'll be the last one standing, she's the coldest, and lowkey probably more brutal than Daenerys (even though she's trying to be)."

Baby FuzZ

“Joffrey will return via a time machine and take out everyone. Now hear me out… The Starbucks cup in the past episode was definitely foreshadowing time travel, so be prepared for Joffrey’s return, but dressed in modern clothes and sporting some sick tattoos.”

BAUM

“I’m definitely gonna have to go with Sansa. She 100% knows how to manipulate people and plays the game better than anyone else.”

Calum Scott

“My prediction was that the Night King would have won both wars and that the season (and the show) would have ended with him on the throne [and] only white walkers left. But Arya spectacularly ended that prediction for me! Saying that, people are saying that Bran is actually the Night King, so maybe I’m not wrong… As much as I’d like it to happen, I think Dany or Jon is too obvious... I think I would like to see Tyrion on there!”

Cherry Glazerr

“Tabor and I have both been watching this season of ‘GoT’ so this is a very exciting thing to think about and discuss!! We feel like Arya has a shot at the Iron Throne and we’re just going to go ahead and put her name first because she’s a more unlikely candidate, she’s just killed the night king, and she’s obviously ruthless!!” - Clementine Creevy of Cherry Glazerr

Dagny

“I’m a massive ‘Game of Thrones’ fan, and I already have a few bets with friends on who’s gonna sit on the Iron Throne by the end of it. I was really late to the party; I only started watching it in April this year, and binged the whole thing in no time. I’m placing my bet on either Jon Snow or Arya. I’m not entirely sure how it’s gonna happen, but they’re my favorites. After Arya’s amazing jump straight outta the wood, placing a dagger in the ‘heart’ of the Night King, I was like, ‘Yup, girl’s got this.’ Jon Snow might be too obvious, but he’s so nice and if I was living in Westeros, I’d like him to be king.”

DOROTHY

“In my opinion, Jon and Dany could rule together because it’s weirdly romantic, but I think Arya will take the throne because she has the heart of a lion. She’s the ultimate protector and would make a benevolent but badass ruler.”

Drinker

“I don’t watch it, but my bandmate Anina Denove thinks the show is about so much more than who ‘wins’ the throne. It’s more about the game and the characters and less about the throne. But if I must, I think the likely candidate is Jon; he’s not only been revealed as the rightful heir, but has also proven himself a natural leader and survivor throughout the series. A boring prediction, but I think the most practical.”

flor

“Sansa - She has been through literal hell and survived, even thrived. She has learned the intimate details of how to navigate in politics and keeps a cool head. As far as legitimacy... if everyone else is dead, there’s no one to challenge her claim.” - McKinley Kitts of flor

Great Good Fine Ok

“Arya will kill Daenerys, and Jon Snow will take the Iron Throne… I HOPE!”

Jacob Banks

“Tyrion Lannister. I think he’s a Targaryen, which would make him the heir to the throne.”

James Droll

“Jon Snow (or Aegon Targaryen)! As much as I’d prefer to have a woman on the throne, I do believe the series has been grooming Jon to rule. Before anyone even knew of his royal ties, he has displayed his ability to win over his enemies and lead with compassion. If there is anyone to unite the seven kingdoms, it’s gonna be him. There is a small, albeit masochistic, part of me that wants Cersei to win though… Can’t wait to find out who it’s going to be!”

Knox Hamilton

“It’s honestly hard to imagine anyone surviving this season - let alone claiming the Iron Throne. However, it’s easy enough to imagine that Cersei and Qyburn have something ridiculously diabolical in store for Westeros, which will annihilate half the population. Jon Snow, in all of his broody bearded beautifulness, seems to have the best shot at sitting on the Iron Throne. For a few moments, anyway, before being betrayed by Lord Varys for ‘the good of the realm.’ Regardless of the outcome, it’s safe to say that everyone will lose at the ‘Game of Thrones.’” - Drew Buffington of Knox Hamilton

Lo Lo

“I think I’m gonna go with… Sansa Stark. She will win the Iron Throne because, first of all, I think Dany and Jon will probably die, and she’s the only one actually acting like a true leader. She’ll be the only one left that can actually do it, I think.”

Luna Shadows

“Dany has gone full Anakin on us, so I’m officially hopping on the Stark train, and by train I mean white horse. Arya, you’re our only hope.”

Pell

“My prediction is that Daenerys will take the Iron Throne, but Arya will kill her. I think there’s a place for Sansa on the throne because she’s the most well rounded character that’s suited for it and she’s a Stark. I have to believe that the Starks can get on the Iron Throne, even if Sansa’s maybe the only one who wants it.”

PHANGS

“Going into this final episode of the series, I have so many thoughts. I think that Daenerys actually saw the final outcome back in season 2, when she was in the house of the undying, looking for her baby dragons. The vision was of a castle with the ceiling ripped off and the throne covered in snow. I can only assume that this is symbolic of Jon Snow being the force that takes her throne. Also, she is showing big time glimpses of the infamous Mad King in her current actions… leaving me to wonder if after destroying King’s Landing and taking her throne, Tyrion will take his place as the ‘Queen Slayer,’ as a nod to the undying love for his family that he can never seem to outrun. Then he’ll bring Sansa back to King’s Landing to have the Starks run the Seven Kingdoms with honor, but with Jon Snow on the throne as king.”

Pretty Vicious

“Well, I mean, if anyone is gonna sit on the Iron Throne it should be Bran, right? Dude’s literally omniscient. Plus, they could give the throne a sick makeover and give it wheels and stuff. The Iron Wheelchair… I like the sound of that.” - Elliot Jones of Pretty Vicious

Rainsford

“My heart is torn between Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow for the Iron Throne. I haven’t started the final season because I needed to refresh my brain to all the information in the previous seasons. So for all I know, they could be dead now (this show is obviously not afraid to kill its heroes) or maybe they’ve joined forces! (Fingers crossed, ignorance is bliss).

Rhye

“I think no one is going to win the Iron Throne… I think it is going to be destroyed in the fury to control it. Possibly by a dragon. Just my two cents… It would be a cool lesson, as everything the audience wants to see happen seems to meet a bitter end.”

Rozzi

“Okay so I’ve seen 1.25 episodes of ‘Game of Thrones.’ I got through about 15 minutes of S1E1 before falling into a deep sleep and didn’t make any second attempt until two weeks ago when I agreed to a date that involved watching a new episode with five of my date’s ‘GoT’ obsessed friends. I have no idea what ‘the Iron Throne’ is or who will ‘win’ it, and to be honest, I don’t care! BUT here is my prediction anyway: the one who’s sleeping with his aunt. Because the only thing I know about ‘GoT’ is they like to freak us out so a ‘murder your crush who’s also your aunt and win the show’ moment feels right!”

Sheridan Reed

“Jon and Tyrion are going to go against Dany after her burning King’s Landing. BUT Dany’s going to execute Jon, while Arya then assassinates Dany. Somehow Tyrion survives and ends up as hand of the queen to SANSA STARK ON THE IRON THRONE.”

SWMRS

“Dany deserves the Iron Throne. She’s lost friends and nearly her entire family line. She found out she can’t be with the person she loves. She lost two dragons and gets categorized as going ‘mad’ because of her emotions. She has fought for freedom, broken chains, and inspired more people than anyone else in play for the throne of the Seven Kingdoms.” - Joey Armstrong of SWMRS

The Hunna

“Daenerys is going to go mad like the Mad King did because she can’t handle the throne not actually belonging to her. The last dragon will die. I think Arya could be the one to kill Cersei. I’m hoping for Jon and Daenerys to rule together, but I also feel like they could both die and Gendry takes the throne.” - Ryan Potter of The Hunna

“Arya and Gendry. They are not the obvious choice, but both of them would want the Seven Kingdoms to live in peace. Gendry is the only living Baratheon and now appointed Lord of Storm’s End. That gives him a bigger chance to claim the throne.” - Jack Metcalfe of The Hunna

“I really wanna see Daenerys, Jon Snow, and her dragon Drogon sitting on the Iron Throne. However, I can really imagine something random happening. Maybe something like Cersei staying on top by not getting defeated. That would be so savage. Imagine that…” - Daniel Dorney of The Hunna

“Jon Snow.” - Junate Angin of The Hunna

Vista Kicks

“Sansa and Tyrion. Dany is gonna die. So is Jon.”

[blacksurvivalnostalgichanges]

Black Survival characters as Brian David Gilbert quotes

i count this as a headcanon, because this is my blog and i think it counts as a headcanon

~

Adela:Zelda chess! (pause) There’s no plotline in Zelda chess.

Adriana: I do not feel at all qualified to discuss the philosophical ramifications of that.

Alex: There is no way you can manage to maintain that kind of level of erotic tension for seven acts! That’s like five and a half hours!

Arda: Fun fact about academic books that i learned in college is that no one has ever enjoyed writing or reading an academic paper. 

Aya: Pump Man’s flavor text explains that sometimes he’ll vounteer to wash off grafitti, and no one likes a narc.

Barbara: It’s kind of like if I bought 12 IKEA cabinets, and used them to build a Gundam.

Bernice: I don’t need any more reason to be afraid of looking at myself in the mirror.

Camilo: Everyone knows that poetry and theater are meant to be seen, and not read.

Cathy: They are valid, and they’re wrong.

Chiara: And then it’s another existencial crisis, but this is my favorite one.

Daniel: If someone introduces themselves to me as Duke Mirage, my pants are already off.

Echion: Once you got that boy under possession, time to get real into unethical science~!

Eleven: And then we ran out of time halfway through, so I went out to grab some lunch, but it started to rain so I ate a chicken drenched. That has nothing to do with the video, I just wanted you to know my pain.

Eva: Either Sonic could KILL god or he IS A god AND I DO NOT CARE IF THERE IS A DIFFERENCE!

Emma: As a kid, my mom thought that I had a nutritional deficit because I kept wanting to eat mushrooms so much, like that I ate only mushrooms for like a whole week.

Fiora: His very name strikes fear into the heart of man and mushroom alike, and he’s also pretty good at figure skating.

Hart: You could’ve stopped at just one stage. You should’ve stopped at just one stage!

Hyejin: The wimps and whomps and wimps and whomps and grindles and spindles and grolls~There’s toxbox and flops and romps and bombs and Wallops and they’re all pretty much invincible and they will crush you without hesitation like a cartoonish Sherman’s march to the sea.

Hyunwoo: They act more like civilians, to be honest. ....oh my god they’re civilians.

Isol: Because not even death can excuse you from service in Bowser’s army.

Jackie: They will tell you when they’re upset. And also when your parents are gonna die.

Jan: Ditto, Cloyster, Caterpie, Sandshrew, friends got weed? Just say no thank you-

Jenny: -because God cursed me for my hubris, and my work is never finished. 

JP: *puts up a paper with a character named Garbage Man* It’s me!

Lenox: But just when all hope seemed lost, I had an epiphany. “I am going to throw myself into the sea.”

Leon: Uh, where can you find pleasure, search the world for treasure, learn science technology? Uhm, where can you begin- to make your dreams all come true~ on the land or on the seeeeea~ iN THE NAVY-

Li Dailin: He’s finished his entire meaning of existence after he’s, like, twelve

Luke: Don’t let me suck more than I can handle! (long pause)

Magnus: More than that, he has this tender leadership quality that makes him not only respected, but loved by his peers. And then above him is a fucking T-rex.

Mai: Where! Is! My! Sonic game with a quilting circle?!

Nadine: We’ve done some shit to bees, y’all.

Nathapon: Surprise! I lulled you into a false sense of security!

Nicky: When you walk into an unknown space, I want the first question in your mind to be, “Am I Safe To Smash?”

Rio: Four Swords:Adventures, which is different from Four swords- this one has adventures

Rosalio: -before he became evil, and also a bit of an egg

Rozzi: “All warfare is based on deception.” “If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him.” .... “Steal their hats.”

Shoichi: Corneliuses are usually the parental figure to the main character, and they have this nasty habit of getting axed super early in the game. It’s kind of like Fire Emblem doesn’t know how to make interesting characters without making them suffer traumatic parental death. 

Silvia: There is too much ventilation, in the form of This Man.

Sissela: What was Mario doing with that penguin child?!

Sua:Who really has the time to read all those books? I do, apparently.

William: Strike Man sounds cool, but he’s just a baseball throwing machine.

Xiukai: You have to fast travel by being eaten alive by a worm?

Yuki: It’s got the soft body of a day one ROTC recruit, but there’s ambition in those eyes.

Zahir: Folks, I hear you. I hear your questions constantly. They come to me in my dreams like a prophet recieving visions from an angry god.

[wqbytop100]

WQBY

Top 30 for the week ending October 30, 2022

What A Life---John Summit, Guz, Stevie Appleton -2 ''at peak'' [13w 8/7] -V@0.15- *1w @#1*

These Nights---Loud Luxury featuring Kiddo -1 ''peak1'' [15w 6/24] -starts with vocals- *1 week @#1*

Weekend On A Tuesday--R3HAB, Laidback Luke -3 ''peak1'' [9w 9/3] -*4w @#1* -vocals @ 0.03, ends cold-

Yeah The Girls--Fisher, Meryll -4 ''at peak'' [7w 9/11] (13,0,6,25,22,4,4,4)=138points/7=19.7

One More Time--Armin Van Buuren -6 ''peak3'' [9w 9/4] (18,29,9,16,3,3,12,5)=153/9=17

****I'm Not Dead Yet--Mike Posner -(new) ''at peak'' [1 st. week 10/30] (6) **** 4star top 10 debut****

Sway My Way--R3HAB, Amy Shark -8 ''peak1'' [20thweek 6/24] *3w @#1*

Dr. Phil---Seaforth -12 ''at peak'' [8th week 9/11] (20,29,28,14,11,13,12,8)=113/8=14.125

I'm Good (Blue)---David Guetta, Bebe Rexha -5 ''peak5'' [7w 9/18] (26,21,16,14,9,5,9)=117/7=16.714

Bad Memories---MEDUZA, James Carter, Elley Duhe, Fastboy -14 ''peak4'' [14w 7/31]

Koo Koo Fun---Major Laser, Major League Djz, Twia Savage, Dj Maphorisa, Diplo -15 ''at peak'' [3w 10/15] (25,15,11) = 41/3=13.666 --vocals @ 0.17--

Don't I Make It Look Easy---Meghan Trainor -7 ''peak4'' [6w 9/18] (12,0,6,4,17,7,12)=128/7=18.285

Secrets---Ross Copperman -30 ''at peak'' [3w 10/15] (29,30,13) =21/3=7

Grapevine---Lane 8, Elderbrook -13 ''peak13'' [7w 9/18] (27,29,17,15,22,13,14)=80/7=11.428

About Damn Time---Lizzo, Purple Disco Machine -22 ''peak3'' [17w 7/3]

Satellite ---Khalid -9 ''peak9'' [4w 10/8] (28,11,9,16)=60/4=15

All Summer---Little Big Town -19 ''peak7'' [9w 8/7]

Move--DNCE--11 ''peak3'' [23w 5/29]

Stay With Me--Calvin Harris, Justin Timberlake, Halsey, Pharrell Williams -17 ''peak3'' [15w 7/24]

My Heart Has Teeth---deadmau5, Skylar Grey -20 ''peak12' [7w 9/18] (14,24,18,15,12,20,20)=94/7=13.428

World's On Fire--Afrojack, R3HAB, Au/Ru -16 ''peak11'' [8w 9/11]

Sharks---Imagine Dragons -10 ''peak1'' [19w 7/3] *1week @#1*

21 Reasons---Nathan Dawe, Ella Henderson -23 ''peak3'' [7w 9/11] (3,22,15,12,8,22,23)=108/7=15.428

1x1----Galantis -18 ''peak12'' [19w 5/22]

***Cardigan---Emotional Oranges, Unusual Demont -(new) ''peak25'' [1st week 10/30] (25)

Boy---The Killers -26 ''at peak'' [2nd week 10/23] (26,26)

***Sneaky--Duckwrth, Juis -(new) ''at peak'' [1week 10/30] (27)

***Get Inspired---Genesis Owusu -(new) ''at peak'' [1week 10/30] (28)

Let You Go---Diplo, TSHA, Kareem Lomax -25 ''peak9'' [12w 6/19]

Wake Up Dreaming----Shania Twain -(return) ''at peak'' [2nd week on the chart -charted 10/16] (30,0,0,30)

Off this week; Why Can't You Wait--The Chainsmokers-----------------My Pony---R3HAB---------------------------------------------------------Change My Mind--Just Kiddin--------------------------------------------Sunroof---Nicky Your, Dazy, Thomas Rhett------------------------------Who Do You Love--ARTY, Rozzi